Monday, August 15 2005 15:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: BJP (Bharatiya janata Party) President and Leader of the Opposition L K Advani was conspicuous by his absence at the Independence Day function at the Red Fort here (New Delhi) today (Aug 15, 2005).

However, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Jaswant Singh was present when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the nation from the historic Red Fort.

Party sources said Advani could not attend the function, as he had to leave for Bangalore for the funeral of veteran RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) leader H V Seshadri.

Three former Prime Ministers - H D Deve Gowda, V P Singh and I K Gujral were present on the occasion.

Several Union Ministers, UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, the three Service Chiefs, Delhi Lt Governor B L Joshi and a number of foreign envoys also graced the occasion.