Buggy Tradition: Before President Murmu, Who Was The Last President To Ride It?

After a gap of almost 40 years, the horse-pulled buggy tradition made a comeback as President Droupadi Murmu and her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron were seen today at 75th Republic Day.

Earlier, the buggy was seen in a beating retreat ceremony in 2014.

Photo Credit: PTI

The chief guest of the 75th Republic Day celebrations, Macron, arrived at the majestic Kartavya Path on Friday in the 'traditional horse-drawn buggy.'

On Friday, the buggy was escorted by the President's Bodyguard - 'Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak'. The senior-most Regiment of the Indian Army, known as the President's Bodyguard, had the privilege on this Republic Day.

This elite Regiment marks a special occasion as the 'Angrakshak' have completed 250 years of service since their raising in 1773.

The presidential buggy was in use for Republic Day functions till 1984 but was discontinued after the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, reported Hindustan Times.

Who was the last president to revive the buggy tradition?

In 2014, a presidential tradition was revived as President Pranab Mukherjee rode a six-horse buggy (carriage) to attend the Beating Retreat ceremony. When the suggestion to use the buggy for the Beating Retreat ceremony was first made by the Rashtrapati Bhavan, it sparked a fierce debate in security circles.

The use of the buggy was discontinued almost 30 years ago due to security reasons, presidents began using limousines for travels, including Republic Day functions. In 2014, the Delhi Police, responsible for the President's security, was not at all in favour of using the buggy but were told by Union home ministry officials looking after VIP security that the Beating Retreat ceremony takes place in a high-security zone surrounded by buildings that are also extremely secure.

Ultimately, the police agreed to the suggestion from the Rashtrapati Bhavan," according to a MHA official who did not want to be named.