The open denouncement of Republic Day celebrations by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has left many in the Delhi Police to wonder whether the Chief Minister will take the salute at Republic Day parade to be held at Chhatrasal Stadium on January 25. As per the established protocol, it is the Chief Minister of Delhi who takes the salute from the parade commander of Delhi Police followed by the contingents from Delhi Home Guards and Civil Defence and schoolchildren.
Sources in Delhi Police said that the preparations are going on full swing for the parade where Chief Minister will take salute and it remains to be seen whether the chief guest agrees to take the salute or not. As the practice is that the parade is led by a Joint Commissioner of Police rank official or even by the Special Commissioner of Police. The parade commander too is from the Delhi Police. The entire exercise is conducted by Delhi Police though the host is the Delhi Administration. This practice is being followed since ages and the celebrations at Chhatrasal Stadium are followed by the magnificent show of Indian armed forces and the cultural diversity of India at Rajpath.