AAP vs BJP Over Exclusion Of Delhi's Tableau From Republic Day Parade

Delhi will once again be absent from the Republic Day parade at Rajpath. This marks the fourth time the capital has been excluded, igniting a fresh exchange between Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kejriwal, who has led Delhi's government for nearly ten years, criticised the BJP amid the upcoming assembly election.

"For the last so many years, the tableau of Delhi is not allowed to participate in the parade. What kind of politics is this? Why do they hate the people of Delhi so much? Why should the people of Delhi vote for them?" Mr Kejriwal said in a pointed message.

Political Tensions Rise Over Delhi 's Tableau Exclusion From Parade

The BJP responded by questioning Mr Kejriwal's intentions. Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva remarked on Mr Kejriwal's "anarchist nature" and asked what he intended to display. He referenced past issues like overcrowding tragedies and alleged misuse of public funds.

"I want to ask him what he wants to show (in the tableau of Delhi). The severe overflow where more than 60 people died... or the 'Sheeshmahal' that he has made by looting the money of people," said Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva.

Mr Sachdeva also recalled Mr Kejriwal's protest during Republic Day in 2014, suggesting political motives behind his current stance. He emphasised that a committee selects tableaus for the parade, implying no bias against Delhi.

AAP Accuses BJP of Political Vendetta Ahead Of Delhi Polls

AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj claimed that excluding Delhi was part of BJP's "revenge" after their loss in Punjab's assembly election. He noted that Punjab's tableau proposal was also rejected, hinting at a pattern against states governed by AAP.

Officials confirmed that Delhi last participated in 2021 with a tableau showcasing Shahjahanabad redevelopment. The absence since then has been attributed to decisions made by an independent committee responsible for selecting participants.

Mr Kejriwal argued that as India's capital, Delhi deserves representation every year on January 26th. He questioned why both its tableau and citizens are being sidelined from such a significant national event.