ThePrint ThePrintAM: What's the Republic Day seating row?
Jan 27, 2026
A controversy over Republic Day seating sparks political uproar. Opposition accuses the government of breaking long-standing seating protocol. Photographs from past ceremonies are used to challenge the arrangement. Leaders call the placement a deliberate slight and demand parity and respect under constitutional norms.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Alleged Protocol Breach At Republic Day
- The Congress accused the Modi government of breaking long-standing Republic Day seating protocol by placing opposition leaders in the third row.
- The party framed the arrangement as a deliberate slight against leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
Earlier Independence Day Seating Example
- Congress highlighted a past Independence Day seating where Rahul Gandhi was placed in the fifth row alongside Olympians.
- The party called that placement an affront to democratic traditions and public respect.
Table Of Precedence Cited
- Official protocol lists leaders of opposition as equal in rank to cabinet ministers and former prime ministers.
- Congress argues current seating deviates from the table of precedence and established convention.