The ongoing political dispute over Punjab’s non-inclusion from the 2024 Republic Day parade took a more intense turn as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday issued a challenge to the state's BJP president Sunil Jakhar. Mann, in a bold statement, declared to “quit” politics if concrete evidence emerged supporting the BJP leaders’ claim that the Punjab Government had suggested featuring his and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal's photos on the parade tableau.

The challenge, coupled with accusations and counter-accusations, has heightened tensions in the state's political landscape.

Mann’s challenge stems from allegations that the Punjab Government had suggested featuring his and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal’s pictures on the parade tableau — a claim vehemently denied by Punjab Chief Minister.

Chief Minister Mann, addressing a press conference in Ludhiana, declared his willingness to quit politics if concrete evidence supporting these allegations emerged. He also challenged Jakhar, stating that if proven a liar, Jakhar must exit Punjab politics.

“Where are the images of myself or Kejriwal in Punjab’s proposed design?...Jakhar is new to BJP and he lacks the expertise to fabricate properly. Can I place my photo next to Bhagat Singh? Do I have such stature?...Prove it, and I’ll exit politics. That’s the biggest statement I can make,” said Mann.

He went on to add, “If Jakhar is proven a liar, he must also exit Punjab politics.”

The tableau controversy erupted when Mann accused the BJP-led Central Government of deliberately omitting Punjab’s design for political reasons, alleging an erasure of Punjab’s historical significance. In response, Jakhar claimed that Punjab’s proposal included photos of Mann and Kejriwal, a breach of protocol leading to the rejection.

Undeterred by the accusations, Mann announced plans to showcase the same rejected tableau in Delhi on January 20. The tableau will be displayed outside Punjab Bhawan, accompanied by a procession to exhibit Punjab’s rich history and culture.

On January 20, we’ll exhibit the same tableau outside Punjab Bhawan in Delhi and stage a procession, showcasing Punjab’s culture and history to the people. Is Modi greater than Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai? Should he decide whether Punjab’s culture is represented?” questioned Mann.

Challenging Jakhar to prove his allegations, Mann also emphasized that the BJP leader has recently joined the saffron party “so he is yet to master the art of speaking lie flawlessly as other seasoned BJP leaders”.

“BJP leaders always get ready-made scripts from their high command to hide the real facts,” he quipped.

Adding, Mann announced that the State Government will include these tableaus in all the functions to be held across Punjab on January 26 and perpetuate the rich legacy of the State amongst the masses.