Questions Raised After MPs Mark India Republic Day on Australia Day

Both national holidays coincide on Jan. 26.

A young boy enjoys the Diwali light show put on by residents of Phantom Street, Nirimba Fields in western Sydney on Nov. 1, 2024. The Diwali festival, one of Hinduism's biggest, is celebrated by Indian-origin people across the world. Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

An Indian-Australian law professor has questioned the decision by multiple Australian MPs to commemorate “India Republic Day” on their social media posts, which coincides with Australia Day.

Indian-born migrant Joanna Howe accused MPs of marking India’s national day “so that they can get their vote,” in a social media post.

Australia Day and India Republic Day both fall on Jan. 26. Australia is also home to a large Indian-born diaspora, outstripping China recently as the third-largest country of birth for Australian residents.

Howe then spoke about how high immigration was impacting housing prices and also local Australian culture.

On Jan. 25, New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns posted his commemoration of India Republic Day.

“The Indian community contributes immensely to our state, enriching NSW across multiple areas of life,” he wrote. “I extend my warmest regards to everyone celebrating, we are so honoured that you have chosen to call NSW your home.”

Minns also posted several posts about Australia Day on Jan. 26.

The Epoch Times contacted the office of Premier Minns for comment.

Similarly, Labor MP Chris Bowen acknowledged both events in the one post, featuring the Indian and Australian flags.

“Today we acknowledge them as they celebrate Australia Day and Republic Day,” he wrote.

On the other side of politics, Liberal National Party MPs Sam O'Connor and Leon Rebello on Jan. 25, also celebrated the day alongside the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

What is Indian Republic Day?

India Republic Day falls is a major national holiday that marks the day in 1950 when India officially transitioned from a British dominion to a sovereign state.

The date was originally chosen to honour an earlier date in 1930 when Indian leaders first declared self-rule during the independence movement.

It is usually celebrated with military displays and bravery awards for personnel.

The Epoch Times contacted the United Indian Associations of Australia for comment.