R-Day celebrations: Kejriwal not invited, wants to attend; BJP says inviting ex-CMs not protocol

New Delhi, Jan 24: The chief ministerial candidate of the AAP and former Delhi chief minister on Saturday said he has not been invited to attend the Republic Day parade Jan 26, where the US President Barack Obama will be the chief guest.

The AAP chief said he has not been invited, though he wants to attend the celebrations.

Kejriwal said, "I am not invited to attend the Republic Day celebrations, I don't know why I wasn't invited. Though I want to attend." [Kejriwal ridiculed R-Day as Delhi CM last year, this time he wants an invitation]

Meanwhile, the BJP said as per the protocol former chief ministers are not invited to attend the Republic Day parade, however, "on demand" special invitation can be extended.

GVL Narsimha Rao, the BJP spokesperson said, "Ministry of Defence gives invitation to attend Republic Day celebrations and I sought clarification from the ministry on the issue. As per the protocol, from Delhi only LG (lieutenant governor) and current chief minister or acting chief minister get invitation."

"There is no protocol to invite former chief minister. If any former chief minister wants to attend the function, he/she can get special invitation on demand. But I clarify again, there is no protocol to invite former chief ministers," Rao added.

India's national capital will turn into a virtual fortress ahead of Obama's arrival here Sunday, with over 45,000 security personnel guarding roads and 15,000 CCTV cameras keeping a hawk's eye on various areas.

Around 20,000 personnel will be deployed on specific locations from Jan 25, the day Obama arrives in Delhi and the number will almost double the next day, Delhi Police has said.

IANS