On January 27, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi criticised the Union government for seating the Leaders of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, in the third row during the Republic Day parade, calling it a “slight to a constitutional office.” Gogoi said the Prime Minister must explain why the LoP’s position is disregarded despite Parliament being called a “temple of democracy.”
The issue escalated after BJP leaders accused Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting the North-East by not wearing a traditional patka at the President’s Republic Day reception. Congress countered that similar standards were not applied consistently. Gogoi urged restraint, saying cultural symbols should not be politicised, while Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised Gandhi, saying his choice “reinforced a perception of disregard towards the North East.”
The controversy highlights contrasting stances: BJP sees it as a pattern of insensitivity, while Congress frames it as an attack on protocol and democratic norms.
