As the Delhi assembly elections approach, the political tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party and BJP is intensifying. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has accused the central government of playing politics of revenge against his party, stating that this is why Delhi's tableau was not included in the Republic Day parade.
Kejriwal Questions the Exclusion
In a media interaction in New Delhi on Sunday, Kejriwal stated, "Delhi's tableau should be part of the Republic Day parade every year since it is the capital city. What kind of politics is this? Why do they hold such animosity towards Delhi and its people? Why should Delhi vote for them (BJP)?"
Kejriwal also questioned, "These people (BJP) have neither issues nor plans for the Delhi elections. They constantly attack me and my party. Is this the rationale for bringing them to power? Why are Delhi's citizens being prevented from participating in the parade?"
Tableau Exclusion Continued from Previous Year
The AAP and BJP have been at odds over the absence of Delhi's tableau from the Republic Day parade in recent years, a trend that has extended to 2025 as well.
Defense Ministry Provides Clarification
Following Arvind Kejriwal's accusation of the central government intentionally excluding Delhi's tableau, the Defense Ministry has issued a clarification. Addressing the allegations against the exclusion of Delhi's tableau, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) explained that the selection process is fair and transparent. Kejriwal had accused the central government of deliberately excluding Delhi's tableau from the parade. In response, the MoD stated that the selection process follows a roster system that includes 15 states and union territories every three years.
According to the ministry, although Delhi was shortlisted for 2025, the tableau selection committee did not approve its proposal. Mizoram and Sikkim did not submit proposals, while Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep did not participate in the selection meeting. This year, selected states include Punjab (governed by Aam Aadmi Party), Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The Defense Ministry emphasized that the selection process is entirely based on creativity and quality, not political affiliation.
Punjab's Tableau Secures a Spot
The ministry noted that Delhi's tableau has been displayed seven times in the last 20 years. Furthermore, five other states have presented tableaus more frequently than Delhi. Citing the example of Punjab, chosen for the tableau despite being governed by the Aam Aadmi Party, the MoD underscored the impartiality of the selection process. The ministry highlighted that the criteria for selection are solely based on art, culture, and the quality of the proposed tableau, firmly denying any bias and reiterating the transparency and fairness of the selection process.
