New Delhi, Aug 15 : Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday said it was a matter of immense joy that the nation was celebrating the 80th Independence Day, achieved through the sacrifices of lakhs of people. He added that the occasion had become even more significant as the country was also commemorating the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataramâ??.

Speaking to IANS, Shekhawat said, â??It is a matter of immense joy that as our nation celebrates the 80th anniversary of Independence, earned through the sacrifices of lakhs of people, this day becomes even more special as we also celebrate the 150th anniversary of â??Vande Mataramâ??. We have now entered the fifth year of Amrit Kaal.â??

The Union Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had consistently emphasised the empowerment of different sections of society as India moved towards becoming a developed nation.

â??The Prime Minister has always said that we will work on â??Sapta Dharaâ??. The youth power of the country, the farmers, women and the poor have always been among PM Modiâ??s priorities. Once again, as the country moves forward on the path of becoming developed under his guidance, the Prime Minister has made new announcements to empower them further,â?? he said.

Shekhawat also highlighted the need for greater participation of women in lawmaking and called for a focus on women-led development.

â??He has also called for greater participation of women in lawmaking. We should work in the direction of women-led development. He has called upon all political parties to come together in this effort,â?? he told IANS.

Shekhawat also questioned the absence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi from the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.

â??I think coming on Independence Day is about what they feel and how proud they are of the country. Now that the country has completed 80 years, how much faith and belief do you have in democratic values and institutions? I don't know why they did not come,â?? he said.

Kharge and Rahul Gandhi remained absent from the 80th Independence Day for the second consecutive year as they had skipped the ceremony last year owing to a controversy over seating protocol of the Leader of Opposition.

Despite being the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and holding Cabinet ministerial status, Gandhi was seated in the second-last row, contrary to the usual protocol.

Under established protocol, the Leader of Opposition is generally seated in the front row during important ceremonial functions.

The Opposition had strongly objected to the seating arrangement at the time, stating that it was disrespectful to the Congress leader and contrary to established protocol.

/IANS