On India's 79th Independence Day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi chose to attend the party's own celebration at Indira Bhawan instead of the main event at the Red Fort. This decision has stirred political discussion, especially since other prominent leaders such as Mallikarjun Kharge also skipped the Red Fort event.

While there was no official explanation from the Congress party regarding the absence of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge from the Red Fort, sources suggest that Mr. Gandhi may have been displeased with the seating arrangements from the previous year.

Rahul Gandhi extended his wishes for Independence Day, emphasizing that the freedom India achieved through the sacrifices of freedom fighters is a resolve to build a nation based on truth, equality, respect, and brotherhood. He stressed the duty of all citizens to protect the pride and honor of this heritage. Similarly, Mallikarjun Kharge conveyed greetings, highlighting the importance of dedicating oneself to the values of freedom, justice, equality, and fraternity, which are cherished by Indian democracy.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort, where he hailed Operation Sindoor and its heroes, stating that the forces "punished enemies beyond their imagination". He also recalled the Pahalgam terror attack and said Operation Sindoor was a representation of people's anger. Modi announced the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, a new employment scheme that promises ₹15,000 from the government to those getting their first job in the private sector. Additionally, he mentioned the "Sudarshan Chakra Mission" aimed at developing made-in-India weapons.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the absence of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge from the Red Fort celebrations. In response to PM Modi's speech, Congress MP Manikam Tagore criticized the RSS for its divisive legacy, linking it to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.