In a repeat of recent years, Delhi’s tableau has been excluded from the Republic Day parade, igniting a fresh war of words between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This marks the fourth consecutive year that the national capital’s representation has been omitted, prompting Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to accuse the BJP of deliberately sidelining the city.
Delhi Denied Tableau Spot Again: What’s Behind the Snub?
Delhi’s proposal for a tableau at the Republic Day parade has been rejected for the fourth time. The decision has triggered political blame games, with Arvind Kejriwal questioning the BJP’s intentions. “Why do they hate the people of Delhi so much? Why should they vote for them?” he said. Kejriwal claimed that Delhi, as the nation’s capital, deserves annual representation at the prestigious event.
According to officials, Delhi’s last tableau appearance was in 2021, showcasing the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project. Since then, proposals submitted by the Delhi government have not made it past the selection committee, a situation that AAP claims is politically motivated.
AAP’s Allegations: Politics Over Patriotism
Arvind Kejriwal launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing the ruling party of playing divisive politics. “For years, the tableau of Delhi has not been allowed to participate. What kind of politics is this? They have no vision for the people of Delhi. Should we vote for them just because they abuse Kejriwal?” he questioned.
The AAP has also linked the exclusion of Delhi’s tableau to the BJP’s recent electoral setbacks. Senior AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj claimed, “This is BJP’s revenge for their loss in Punjab. It’s no coincidence that Punjab’s tableau was also rejected this year.”
Kejriwal emphasized the importance of Delhi’s inclusion, stating that as the nation’s capital, it holds a unique status that should be reflected in the Republic Day parade.
BJP’s Retort: Committee’s Decision, Not Politics
The BJP has dismissed AAP’s allegations as baseless. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva questioned the purpose of Delhi’s proposed tableau, asking, “What does Kejriwal want to showcase? The severe waterlogging where over 60 people died or the luxurious ‘Sheeshmahal’ built using taxpayers’ money?”
Sachdeva pointed out that the selection process for Republic Day tableaux is overseen by an independent committee. “This committee evaluates proposals from all states and union territories. Kejriwal is politicizing even this,” he said. He also reminded critics of Kejriwal’s controversial protest during the 2014 Republic Day celebrations, which many considered disruptive.
Why Was Delhi’s Proposal Rejected?
Officials from the Ministry of Defence, which oversees the selection of tableaux, stated that the rejection of Delhi’s tableau was based on specific guidelines. The committee assesses proposals on parameters such as creativity, cultural relevance, and alignment with the theme of the parade.
This year’s theme emphasized women’s empowerment, freedom struggle heroes, and India’s progress in science and technology. It remains unclear how Delhi’s proposal fit these themes, as the specifics of their submission were not publicly disclosed. Sources suggest that Delhi’s proposal lacked the creative elements required to make the final cut.
The BJP has reiterated that the exclusion is purely administrative and not politically motivated. “Every state and union territory competes to showcase its culture. Not everyone gets a spot. It’s a fair process,” said a senior official.
History of Delhi’s Tableau
Delhi last participated in the Republic Day parade in 2021 with a tableau featuring the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project. In previous years, the city has showcased themes such as education reforms and heritage preservation. However, since 2021, Delhi’s entries have failed to secure approval from the selection committee.
The rejection has led to growing discontent among AAP leaders, who view the move as a slight against the people of Delhi. In contrast, BJP leaders argue that the exclusion highlights the need for more substantial and relevant submissions from the Delhi government.
Looking Ahead: Will Delhi Make a Comeback?
As the Republic Day parade approaches, the spotlight remains on the political feud over Delhi’s exclusion. While the AAP accuses the BJP of undermining the capital’s significance, the BJP insists the decision is impartial and committee-driven.
The question of whether Delhi will reclaim its spot in future parades hinges on bridging the political divide and ensuring proposals meet the stringent criteria set by the selection committee. Until then, the issue is likely to remain a flashpoint in the ongoing AAP vs BJP rivalry.
With both parties entrenched in their positions, the exclusion of Delhi’s tableau has transformed into a political battleground, reflecting broader tensions in Indian politics. Whether this controversy will sway voters in the upcoming assembly elections remains to be seen.