Key Points

Calling Gandhi's absence "a shameful betrayal" of constitutional values and patriotic spirit, Prasad said the decision reflected a "long-standing pattern of anti-India propaganda."

He said, "Rahul Gandhi's boycott of the 2025 Red Fort Independence Day celebrations is a stark reminder of his disdain for Bharat's patriotic spirit and constitutional values. As the Leader of Opposition, a role that demands unwavering commitment to national unity, Gandhi's absence is a shameful betrayal of the trust placed in him."

Prasad alleged that Gandhi had "endorsed Donald Trump's baseless jibes about India's economy," which, he said, amplified foreign attacks on our nation's global rise and economic resilience.

He said, "This is not an isolated incident, but a continuation of Gandhi's long-standing pattern of anti-India propaganda. By endorsing Donald Trump's baseless jibes about India's economy, Gandhi has amplified foreign attacks on our nation's global rise and economic resilience. His actions embolden external critics, casting doubt on his loyalty to our motherland."

He also accused Gandhi of spreading false narratives about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including remarks related to an alleged probe involving industrialist Gautam Adani.

"Gandhi's relentless defamation of Prime Minister Modi, including false claims about Modi fearing Trump's Adani probe remarks, fuels conspiracies that erode trust in our democratic institutions. Such actions betray the Indian National Congress, transforming it into an entity that serves foreign interests over Bharat's sovereignty," Prasad said.

Citing Article 51A of the Constitution, which outlines the fundamental duties of citizens, Prasad said Gandhi's conduct violated the ethos of promoting harmony and cherishing India's heritage. "His disloyalty threatens India's strength, emboldening adversaries and discouraging progress," Prasad asserted.

The BJP spokesperson argued that Gandhi's absence from the Independence Day celebrations insulted the sacrifices of freedom fighters and trampled on the spirit of India's independence.

"As the Leader of Opposition, Gandhi's role is to uphold national unity, not sow division through petty political gestures. His absence from the Independence Day celebrations is an insult to the sacrifices of those who fought for our liberty, trampling on the spirit of Bharat's independence and the collective pride of its people," he said.

"Gandhi's actions disgrace the constitutional dignity of his office, exposing Congress's drift from its legacy as the Indian National Congress. His conduct risks tarnishing India's global image, aligning with anti-India narratives that undermine our sovereignty," he added.

Demanding a public apology from Gandhi and the Congress party, Prasad said such an acknowledgement was necessary to restore faith in their commitment to Bharat's unity and progress toward a "Viksit Bharat."

"In the court of public conscience, Gandhi has stripped himself of the moral right to be called an Indian, sowing seeds of self-inflicted exile from the nation's heart. Patriotically, such betrayal demands accountability; Rahul Gandhi and Congress must publicly apologise to restore faith in their commitment to Bharat's unity and glory," he said.

"India's sovereignty and the sacrifices of our freedom fighters command nothing less than unwavering respect and a resolute stand for Viksit Bharat. We demand that Rahul Gandhi offer a public apology to the Indian people for boycotting the Independence Day celebrations. This sacred festival radiates the heartfelt joy, fervour, and pride of our nation," Prasad added.

He further added that by spurning this revered day, Gandhi has insulted the collective pride of the Indian people. He said, "It's time for him to take responsibility for his actions and demonstrate his commitment to Bharat's unity and glory."

"Bharat demands rejection of Rahul Gandhi's treachery to uphold our Constitution, unity, and Viksit Bharat's unstoppable march toward global glory," he added.

He warned that the BJP and the public would "not tolerate blatant disregard for the nation's sovereignty and heritage."

- ANI