'It was a choice...': Why Mallikarjun Kharge missed PM Modi's Independence Day address

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that he will hoist the flag again in 2024 is "arrogance," after he was missing from the Prime Minister's Independence Day address. Asked why he missed the all-important address, Kharge said, "Firstly, I have been experiencing issues with my eyes. Secondly, I had a commitment to hoist the tricolour at my residence at 9:20 AM in accordance with protocols. Subsequently, I was required to attend the Congress office and perform the flag-hoisting ceremony here as well. Given these prior engagements, I would not have been able to reach the venue on time." 

"Furthermore, the heightened security measures in place make it difficult for anyone to leave before the Prime Minister's departure. Considering the lack of adequate time, I made the decision not to attend the event at the Red Fort," he said. Kharge concluded by expressing, "It was a choice made considering both security concerns and the constraints of time." 

During his Independence Day address, PM Modi declared: "The next time, on August 15, I will present before you the achievements and developments of the country from this Red Fort." Kharge's response to this statement was pointed, referring to it as "arrogance," he said, "Every person says that they come back again and again after winning. But making you win or lose is in the hands of people, in the hands of voters. To say in 2023, 'I will hoist the flag once again in 2024' is arrogance. If he keeps making comments on Opposition even on Independence Day, how will he build the nation?"

"He will hoist the National Flag once again next year, he will do that at his home," Kharge reacted to PM Modi's remark. Ëarlier in the day, Kharge while attacking the Centre said, "New tactics are being adopted to suppress the voice of the opposition. Raids by CBI, ED, and Income Tax are happening, Election Commission is being weakened. Efforts are being made to suppress the voice of opposition MPs in Parliament by suspending them. Someone's mic is going off or someone's words are getting expunged. Privilege motions are being brought."

"Democracy is being torn to shreds by distorting the old constitutional systems that have been running for decades, giving new dimensions to dictatorship. And now, they are trying to create history by renaming old laws, which provided stability and peace to the country," he said.