Kejriwal Questions Exclusion
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his frustration over the decision, suggesting that it reflects a pattern of neglect toward the national capital. “For the last so many years, the tableau of Delhi is not allowed to participate in the parade. What kind of politics is this? Why do they hate the people of Delhi so much? Why should the people of Delhi vote for them?” Kejriwal remarked.
He further added, “They have no vision for the people of Delhi. They only abuse Kejriwal. Should we vote for them just for this? Why are the tableau and the people of Delhi being stopped from participating in the 26th January parade?”
BJP Hits Back
Responding to Kejriwal’s comments, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva criticised the AAP government. “The tableau of the whole country is displayed in the parade of Republic Day. A committee decides the tableau. Now, Arvind Kejriwal wants to do politics in this too,” Sachdeva stated.
Referring to past controversies, Sachdeva added, “We have not forgotten the Republic Day of 2014 when Arvind Kejriwal staged a protest.” He questioned the AAP government’s priorities, saying, “I want to ask him what he wants to show (in the tableau of Delhi). The severe overflow where more than 60 people died… or the ‘Sheeshmahal’ that he has made by looting the money of people.”
Delhi’s Tableau
Delhi’s last participation in the Republic Day parade was in 2021, where its tableau showcased the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project. Over the past two decades, Delhi has featured in the parade seven times.This year, the Defence Ministry stated that Delhi’s proposal was rejected by an expert panel tasked with evaluating tableau submissions. The committee assesses themes, designs, and visual appeal, ensuring compliance with set criteria.
New Roster System for Tableaux Selection
Amid recurring controversies over tableau selections, the Defence Ministry introduced a three-year roll-over plan to provide equal opportunities for all States and Union Territories. Under this system, each region is guaranteed a chance to present its tableau at least once between 2024 and 2026.
In this year’s roster, 15 States and Union Territories were shortlisted, but proposals from Delhi, Punjab, and Karnataka were rejected. Mizoram and Sikkim opted out, citing their inability to participate. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal were selected instead.
Allegations of Bias and Favouritism
Senior AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj accused the BJP of bias, linking Delhi’s exclusion to political retaliation. “It is not a coincidence that Punjab’s tableau proposal was also rejected,” he said, suggesting it was “revenge” for the BJP’s defeat in the Punjab assembly elections.
Addressing questions about consecutive selections of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, officials clarified that other states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Jammu & Kashmir, have also presented their tableaux more frequently in the past two decades.
Broader Representation Efforts
The Defence Ministry highlighted the importance of diversity and fairness in the parade’s selection process. Last year, states like Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Tripura, Jammu & Kashmir, and Goa showcased their tableaux at Bharat Parv, an event held at Red Fort following the Republic Day parade.
