Bathinda, In an attempt to ease tensions arising from the rejection of Punjab’s Republic Day tableau, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Shekhawat suggested showcasing it at Bharat Parv in Delhi. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated Bharat Parv to include states unable to participate in the main Republic Day event.
At a press conference held at AIIMS, Bathinda, Shekhawat distanced himself from BJP State President Sunil Jakhar’s allegations against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Jakhar claimed politicization of the tableau exclusion and insisted it featured Mann’s and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s photos, although providing no evidence.
Mann responded by challenging Jakhar to produce proof, pledging to quit politics if the claims were substantiated. Shekhawat highlighted that only the Centre’s panel evaluating tableau themes could disclose reasons for rejection.
Shekhawat emphasized the non-politicization of national events, stating that Bharat Parv from January 26 to 31 offered Punjab an alternative platform for participation. He revealed a 10-member independent panel assessed tableau concepts, and during the Modi government’s tenure, Punjab’s tableaus were approved seven times.
Addressing speculations about a BJP-SAD alliance, Shekhawat denied rumors, affirming the BJP’s intent to contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab.
AAP’s spokesperson Malvinder Singh Kang criticized BJP’s stance on the tableau row, while Jakhar, standing by his statement, accused Mann’s administration of perceiving lies in others.
