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

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

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

"He will hoist National Flag once again next year, he will do that at his home," Kharge reacted to PM Modi's remark. Ëarlier in day, Kharge while attacking Centre said, "New tactics are being opted to suppress voice of opposition. Raids by CBI, ED, and Income Tax are happening, Election Commission is being weakened. Efforts are being me to suppress voice of opposition MPs in Parliament by suspending m. 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 old constitutional systems that have been running for deces, giving new dimensions to dictatorship. And now, y are trying to create history by renaming old laws, which provided stability and peace to country," he said.