In a surprise move, the proposal for Delhi’s tableau for the Republic Day parade has been rejected by the expert committee. The committee, which is responsible for selecting the tableaux for the parade, found Delhi’s proposal lacking in theme, concept, design, and visual impact.

According to sources, the expert committee had shortlisted 15 States and Union Territories for the parade, but Delhi’s proposal failed to impress the committee. The other two union territories, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, also failed to make the cut.

On the other hand, Punjab and West Bengal, which were absent from last year’s parade, have made a comeback this year. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had made a big issue out of Punjab and Delhi’s exclusion from the parade last year, and it remains to be seen how the party will react to Delhi’s exclusion this year.

The Republic Day parade, which is held every year on January 26, is a showcase of India’s cultural diversity and military might. The parade features tableaux from various states and union territories, which depict their unique culture, history, and achievements.

This year, 15 states and union territories will participate in the parade, including Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Goa, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

The expert committee, which is headed by a senior defense ministry official, had evaluated the proposals from various states and union territories based on their theme, concept, design, and visual impact.

“The committee had a tough task of selecting the best tableaux from among the many proposals received,” said a defense ministry spokesperson. “The selected tableaux will showcase the rich cultural diversity and heritage of our country.”

The rejection of Delhi’s proposal is seen as a setback for the city, which has a rich cultural heritage and a long history of participating in the Republic Day parade.

“I want to ask them — why is Delhi’s tableau being excluded once again this year? Why are the people of Delhi being prevented from participating in the Republic Day celebrations,” Kejriwal asked at a press conference.

Claiming that Delhi’s tableau has been missing the cut for several years now, Kejriwal said, “What kind of politics is this? Why is there so much hatred towards Delhi and its people? If these leaders hold such animosity, why should the people of Delhi vote for them?”