The tableaux presented by various states, showcasing their unique local themes, during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi are regarded as a key attraction of the event.
However, the build-up to next year's parade seems to have invited controversy, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleging that the Central government had rejected its tableau for the parade as it was based on the theme 'unity in harmony'.
Banerjee asked at a Christmas event on December 22 whether the tableau was rejected because of its inclusive theme. Banerjee alleged West Bengal's proposals were discussed by the Centre in meetings in September and October, but the state was not invited for subsequent meetings. Banerjee termed the decision as an “insult to the people of Bengal.”
She alleged that in 2015, the Centre had rejected a tableau from West Bengal with a theme based on its Kanyashree scheme, a cash-transfer programme to curb child marriages and help girl students stay in school. The chief minister reminded the state had won the first prize for its tableaus in 2013 and 2016. Banerjee also used the occasion to indirectly criticise the BJP for religious polarisation.
However, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Monday declared that the Centre had no role to play in the issue. He claimed that it was the decision of the deciding committee and denied that there was any politics in the matter.
(With agency inputs)
