A political dispute has erupted over seating arrangements at this year’s Republic Day celebrations, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge claiming that he and party leader Rahul Gandhi were deliberately sidelined during the official ceremony.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Kharge said he felt humiliated after being placed in the third row, despite holding the constitutional position of Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. He alleged that both he and Rahul Gandhi — the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha — were seated alongside junior ministers and their families, a move he described as an affront to democratic norms.

Kharge further claimed that the arrangements were so unclear that their offices had to intervene. According to him, their secretaries were sent to locate their designated seats and secure the necessary passes, adding to what he called an embarrassing experience.

Calling the episode an insult not just to himself but to the Opposition as an institution, Kharge said the treatment amounted to disrespect towards the Congress party, the office of the Leader of Opposition and the Constitution itself. He demanded a clear explanation from the government on how such an arrangement was approved.

The Congress raised the issue publicly on Monday, accusing the Centre of intentionally undermining opposition leaders at a national event. Party leaders said the seating decision reflected a pattern of sidelining senior opposition figures at official functions.

Odisha Congress in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu also criticised the arrangement, alleging that opposition leaders were repeatedly denied their rightful status and visibility at government-hosted events.

The Centre, however, rejected the allegations. Sources in the Defence Ministry said the seating plan was prepared strictly according to the established Table of Precedence, insisting that there was no deviation from protocol.

Officials added that special considerations were extended to Kharge in view of his age and health. These included permission for a personal assistant to accompany him and access to parking closer to the venue, based on prior requests.

The controversy has added to ongoing tensions between the government and the opposition, turning what was meant to be a ceremonial national celebration into a fresh political flashpoint.