Opposition parties on Monday cried foul over the absence of tableaux from a majority of non-BJP ruled States like Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala and Tamil Nadu at the Republic Day celebrations and alleged it was a deliberate attempt on part of BJP-led NDA ruled Government at the Centre. Eyebrows were also raised over the absence of tableaux of some of the north-eastern States and all the UTs including Delhi. The BJP countered saying it was an attempt to politicise the issue.
Trinamool Congress national spokesperson Derek O’Brien tweeted, “Bengal tableaux for Republic Day depicting the path-breaking Kanya Shree initiative was not allowed. We made several requests but they were rejected. But life goes on.” Reacting to O’Brien’s contention, BJP called it unfortunate and slammed West Bengal’s ruling party for politicising the matter regarding depicting of State tableaux. “It’s very unfortunate that on a vary auspicious day of Republic Day, we are making political statements,” BJP spokesperson G V l Narasimha Rao said adding the State tableaux are decided by a committe headed by the Defence Secretary and comprising many other experts.
BJP-ruled States of Rajasthan, and Punjab, where the party is in power with SAD alliance, too could not display their tableaux just as those from Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram besides of Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. A Kerala Government official said the State had made a proposal to the Defence Ministry for inclusion its tableaux under the theme of folk art ‘Theyyam’. However, the proposal could not make it to the final list as the selection process involves various stages.
Tableaux on Prime Ministers Narendra Modi’s pet projects like ‘Make in India’ aimed at promoting manufacturing sector, Jan Dhan Yojna for financial inclusion of all, ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme for saving and educating the girl child, ‘Save Ganga’ project for saving river Ganga from pollution and promotion of alternative medicine system besides introduction of bullet trains found their place at the parade. A special tableau depicted Yoga system with ‘Yogaacharyas’ performing ‘Yogasanas’.
The tableau assumes significance in the wake of Yoga getting global recognition with United Nations declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Telangana, which was the latest State to be carved out of Andhra Pradesh last year, made its debut at the Republic Day celebrations through its tableaux with the theme “Bonaalu” - the illustrious State festival celebrated to worship Mahankali Goddess. In last year’s Republic Day celebrations, tableaux from 18 States and Central Ministries and Departments presenting varied historical, architectural and cultural heritage of the country were showcased.