Rahul Gandhi Faces BJP Fire Over Absence at Chief Justice Surya Kant’s Oath Ceremony

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for being absent at the oath-taking ceremony of the 53rd Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant. The event, seen as a significant constitutional occasion, was attended by the top leadership of the government, but key opposition leaders were notably missing. BJP leaders have accused Gandhi of “boycotting” the ceremony and labeled his absence as part of a recurring disregard for democratic traditions.

BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disappointment, stating that “no one knows where Rahul Gandhi is or why he skipped such an important constitutional event.” Malviya further argued that Gandhi’s repeated absences from national functions show a lack of commitment and seriousness expected from the Leader of the Opposition. His post also highlighted several pressing political issues—particularly in Karnataka—where Gandhi’s leadership input has reportedly been missing amid fierce infighting within the state Congress unit.

CR Kesavan, BJP’s national spokesperson, echoed similar sentiments and went a step further, accusing Gandhi of being a “repeat offender” in disrespecting national traditions. He pointed to previous occasions such as Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations where Gandhi’s absence was conspicuous. The BJP contends that such conduct diminishes the prestige of parliamentary democracy and the Opposition’s duty to represent the people at major national moments.

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Adding to the criticism, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla described the oath ceremony as a “proud constitutional moment” that deserved full participation from all political parties. “When the entire top brass of the government showed up, the absence of key Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, was disappointing,” said Poonawalla, calling it “a sign of political apathy.”

The Congress party has yet to issue an official statement explaining the Leader of the Opposition’s absence. However, the ruling party’s sustained attacks highlight growing tensions between the BJP and Congress over what the government terms as a “pattern of indifference” from Rahul Gandhi toward key national events. With debates intensifying ahead of upcoming electoral contests, the controversy underscores the political divide not only on policy but also on matters of symbolism and constitutional protocol.

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