Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 15 August 2025 described India's 80th Independence Day as doubly significant — marking both the nation's freedom anniversary and the 150th year of 'Vande Mataram'. Speaking at the Red Fort celebrations in New Delhi, Shekhawat said the occasion reflected the sacrifices of lakhs of freedom fighters and signalled India's entry into the fifth year of Amrit Kaal.

Shekhawat on Amrit Kaal and National Progress

The minister underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on inclusive development, citing the government's 'Sapta Dhara' framework. 'The youth power of the country, the farmers, women and the poor have always been among PM Modi's priorities,' Shekhawat said. He added that fresh announcements made by the Prime Minister on the occasion were aimed at further empowering these sections as India advances toward becoming a developed nation.

Call for Women-Led Development

Shekhawat highlighted Prime Minister Modi's appeal for greater participation of women in lawmaking, describing it as a critical pillar of India's development agenda. 'We should work in the direction of women-led development. He has called upon all political parties to come together in this effort,' the minister said. The call echoes a broader push by the Centre for gender-inclusive governance, coming in the backdrop of the pending Women's Reservation Act implementation.

Congress Absence Draws Sharp Criticism

Shekhawat also drew attention to the absence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi from the Independence Day ceremony — for the second consecutive year. 'I think coming on Independence Day is about what they feel and how proud they are of the country. I don't know why they did not come,' Shekhawat said.

The duo had similarly skipped the 79th Independence Day in 2024 following a controversy over the seating protocol for the Leader of Opposition. Despite Gandhi holding Cabinet ministerial status as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, he was reportedly seated in the second-last row — contrary to established protocol that places the Leader of Opposition in the front row at major ceremonial functions. The Opposition had formally objected to the arrangement at the time, calling it disrespectful.

Context and What Comes Next

The twin milestones — 80 years of Independence and the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram — lend the 2025 celebrations a symbolic weight beyond the annual ritual. The Congress's continued absence from the Red Fort ceremony is likely to fuel a fresh political exchange, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expected to press the issue in the coming days. Whether the Opposition will clarify its position or revive the seating-protocol grievance remains to be seen.