Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi unleashed a scathing critique of the central government Tuesday, focusing on the Republic Day parade’s seating for opposition heavyweights. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge found themselves in the third row at Kartavya Path, prompting Gogoi to call it a protocol affront to their Leader of Opposition statuses.
In media interactions, Gogoi invoked the PM’s ‘Parliament as democracy’s temple’ rhetoric, arguing the incident contradicts it profoundly. “Why repeatedly diminish constitutional posts at national galas? Explain,” he challenged.
BJP flipped the script, slamming Rahul Gandhi for bypassing the traditional ‘patka’ at the President’s reception. From Digboi, CM Sarma decried it as emblematic of Gandhi’s Northeast disdain: “Predictable pattern—no need to engage further.”
Congress brushed off the charge as opportunistic, with Gogoi pleading for sobriety in politics. He stressed Northeast judgment hinges on action amid adversity: “Rahul endures; PM dips out during trials.”
Amid these volleys, larger themes emerge—protocol’s role in democracy, cultural reverence in diverse India, and Northeast’s electoral pulse. Republic Day united in spectacle, but politics fractured it swiftly. Gogoi’s intervention amplifies opposition grievances, while BJP’s riposte fortifies cultural defenses. Expect this saga to echo in assembly debates and campaign trails.