On Friday, August 15, 2025, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, leading figures of the Congress party, were absent from the Independence Day celebrations held at the Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation. This decision by the Congress leaders has ignited criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who have described it as "shameful behavior".

While the Congress party has not released an official statement explaining the absence of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge from the Red Fort event, reports suggest that Rahul Gandhi was unhappy with the seating arrangements at the previous year's event. In 2024, despite holding the status of a Cabinet minister, Gandhi was seated in the fifth row of the VIP section, a placement that drew criticism, as the Leader of Opposition is typically seated in the front row at such ceremonial events.

The BJP has strongly condemned the absence of the Congress leaders. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Rahul Gandhi of being a "Lover of Pakistan" and suggested that his actions were motivated by opposition to Prime Minister Modi, indicating "Desh & Sena Virodh". Amit Malviya, head of the BJP's I-T cell, questioned Rahul Gandhi's commitment to national events and alluded to a disoriented appearance by Gandhi at the Congress HQ. Malviya stated that Gandhi's absence "sends a poor message about his commitment to national occasions". The BJP has also stated that the absence shows disrespect to the Prime Minister's office, the national flag, and this year's celebration theme, "Operation Sindoor". They further claimed that it undermines the armed forces and emboldens Pakistan.

In response to the criticism, the Congress party released photographs of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge participating in Independence Day celebrations at the party headquarters in Indira Bhavan, New Delhi. These events were also streamed live on Rahul Gandhi's X account. Rahul Gandhi extended Independence Day greetings on X, emphasizing the importance of justice, equality, respect, and brotherhood, while paying tribute to freedom fighters. Mallikarjun Kharge also posted on social media, conveying his greetings and paying tribute to freedom fighters, while highlighting the ongoing struggle for rights, constitutional institutions, social justice, economic empowerment, and brotherhood.