In response to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s recent criticism, the Centre categorically dismissed allegations of discrimination regarding the exclusion of Punjab’s tableau from the Republic Day parade 2024. Mann, from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), had expressed dissatisfaction with both Punjab and Delhi being omitted from the list of states whose tableaux were selected for the January 26 parade.
The Ministry of Defence issued a statement countering Mann’s claims, asserting that an “expert committee” evaluates tableau proposals from states, Union territories, and central ministries. The statement clarified that Punjab’s tableau was considered in the first three rounds but did not align with the broader themes of this year’s tableau, leading to its exclusion.
The Defence Ministry further highlighted that states and Union Territories not selected for the Republic Day parade were invited to showcase their tableaux in Bharat Parv at the Red Fort from January 23-31, as per an MoU signed with them.
Mann, however, announced that Punjab would not showcase its tableau in Bharat Parv, expressing dissatisfaction with the rejection. The tableau aimed to depict the sacrifices made by freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
The ministry emphasized that the shortlisting process aims to ensure the participation of the best tableaux within the allotted time for the parade. It stated that out of 30 states and Union Territories willing to participate in the Republic Day parade 2024, only 15-16 would be finally selected.
As per the MoU, states like Punjab and Delhi have agreed to display their tableaux in the Republic Day parade once in three years, starting from January 26, 2024. The ministry asserted that the criticism by these states regarding non-selection in 2024 is baseless and not objective.
Referring to West Bengal, the ministry stated that its tableau proposal was considered but not taken forward by the expert committee for not aligning with the themes of this year’s tableau. West Bengal’s tableau was shortlisted five times in the last eight years.
By PTI
