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Rahul Gandhi’s absence quickly became political ammunition for the BJP, which accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting a key constitutional occasion.
BJP Slams Congress as Rahul Gandhi Skips Justice Surya Kant’s Swearing-In. File image/PTI
Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking a significant moment for the judiciary. However, the event also generated political ripples after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was noticeably absent from the audience, triggering criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
BJP targets Congress
Rahul Gandhi’s absence quickly became political ammunition for the BJP, which accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting a key constitutional occasion.
BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya took aim at Congress on X, stating that the Leader of the Opposition was “missing yet again” during an important national ceremony. He further linked the absence to the ongoing political crisis in Karnataka, where reported tensions persist between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Malviya argued that the Congress high command appeared “paralysed” as it awaited consultations with Rahul Gandhi, whom he accused of showing little interest in resolving the turmoil.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also weighed in, calling Justice Surya Kant’s elevation a “proud moment” for India and specifically for Haryana, the new CJI’s home state. He questioned ‘Rahul Baba’s’ reasons for skipping the event, saying sarcastically that he may have been on a “jungle safari” or “foreign tour”.
Poonawalla further alleged that the Congress had a history of ignoring national ceremonies, citing earlier instances involving Republic Day and Independence Day events.
Justice Surya Kant takes oath as Chief Justice of IndiaProud moment for India and especially Haryana Entire Govt led by PM Modi was there but guess who was boycotting or absent?Rahul Baba Perhaps busy with Jungle Safari? Or foreign tour? Sad that congress boycotted R Day… pic.twitter.com/58zAJc2tmR— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) November 24, 2025
Who all attended the oath ceremony?
Despite the political back-and-forth, the ceremony itself was attended by a host of prominent dignitaries. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath, with Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also present.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended alongside key members of the Union Cabinet, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Health Minister JP Nadda and several senior officials were also in attendance.
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public…Read More
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public… Read More
Delhi, India, India
November 24, 2025, 11:16 IST
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