BJP, Congress Clash Over Rahul Gandhi's R-Day Seating; BJP Asks 'Is He Owner Of India?'

• A political dispute erupted between BJP and Congress regarding the seating arrangement for Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge at the Republic Day parade.
• BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Congress, stating they prioritize "entitlement and ego" over constitutional norms and accused Rahul Gandhi of acting like the "owner of India."
• Poonawalla emphasized that seating at official events is governed by the Warrant of Precedence, not political status, and noted that senior cabinet ministers were seated around Rahul Gandhi without objection.
• Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala raised objections, sharing images of Rahul Gandhi and Kharge in the third row, alleging a breach of protocol and decorum.
• Mallikarjun Kharge was later moved to the front row alongside Om Birla and Jagdeep Dhankhar; seating protocol is determined by the Warrant of Precedence, ranking dignitaries by constitutional position.

Why It Matters: BJP and Congress are in a political spat over Rahul Gandhi's Republic Day parade seating protocol.