Republic Day 2024: The 75th Republic Day parade in Delhi on January 26 features over two dozen tableaux including 16 from different states and union territories. However, Punjabs tableau will be absent from the celebrations this year amid a political row between the AAP state government and the center.Why is Punjabs tableaux not in Republic Day 2024 paradeThe Republic Day tableaux aim to showcase the cultural diversity, heritage, and achievements of different Indian states. They are a key highlight of the annual festivities.Punjabs proposed tableau sought to depict the contributions of freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Udham Singh, and Lala Lajpat Rai who hailed from the state.However, this proposal landed into a controversy after claims that the AAP government wanted images of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and party chief Arvind Kejriwal featured on the float.Heres what the BJP said on this row:The BJPs Punjab unit ridiculed the tableau as crude and lacking vision. In response, the AAP accused the central government of discriminating against an opposition-ruled state by excluding the tableau.BJPs Punjab supremo Sunil Jakhar, said the tableaus crude make was one of the reasons it was rejected. The other, he claimed, was that ... AAP was adamant Kejriwal and Manns photos should be on it...Bhagwant Mann denies all allegationsCM Mann denied wanting his photo on the tableau and demanded proof to support the allegation.He has also rejected an offer to field Punjabs tableaux at Bharat Parv, an event at Red Fort in Delhi.His office declared ... great martyrs, including Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Sukhdev, Shaheed Udham Singh, Mai Bhago, Ghadri Baabe, and others cannot be kept in the rejected category, and accused the center of trying to belittle their contribution and sacrifice of these heroes...The war of words between AAP and BJP intensified ahead of Republic Day.What does Punjabs absence in Republic Day 2024 parade underscoreWhile the political rift continued, the absence of Punjabs tableau at the parade is being seen as a loss of opportunity to honor the states role in the freedom struggle.The other states whose tableaux is participating include Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, Uttarakhand, Tripura, and Jammu and Kashmir.These displays reflect the diverse historical, cultural, and ethnic fabric of India - from Hindu and Buddhist heritage, and tribal traditions to coasts, forests, and architectural wonders.How tableaux are selected for Republic Day paradeThe Defence Ministry said tableaux were selected by an expert committee as per creative visual appeal, theme, concept, design, and technical parameters. But political observers say the tussle over Punjabs tableau hints at partisan considerations.As India celebrates the spirit of democracy on its 75th Republic Day, the need for rising above partisan politics to uphold constitutional ideals has become more important than ever.
