Amid reports suggesting that Delhi's tableau has missed out on being part of next year’s Republic Day parade, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on December 23 accused the Centre of politicising the issue.
Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal criticised the exclusion, stressed that Delhi, as the national capital, should have its tableau featured in the Republic Day parade every year. “I want to ask them — why is Delhi’s tableau being excluded once again this year? Why are the people of Delhi being prevented from participating in the Republic Day celebrations?” Kejriwal said. He further added that Delhi’s tableau had been left out for several years, calling it “politics” fueled by hatred towards Delhi and its people. "If these leaders hold such animosity, why should the people of Delhi vote for them?" he questioned, referring to the upcoming Assembly elections in Delhi, which are scheduled for February.
In response, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva accused Kejriwal of showing his “true colors” whenever a national festival approaches. “Delhiites have not forgotten the incident in 2014, when Kejriwal tarnished the city’s dignity by staging a protest while the entire city was gearing up for Republic Day celebrations,” Sachdeva said.
The BJP leader also explained that the decision to select tableaux for the Republic Day parade is made by a designated committee, with a limited number of participants, a fact Kejriwal was well aware of. Sachdeva suggested that Kejriwal was raising the issue to divert attention from more important matters as Delhi’s elections draw near.
Kejriwal also criticised the BJP’s election campaign, stating it lacked any substantial narrative, vision, or programme for the people of Delhi. “They have no plans to show as to what they would do if they form the government,” he said. The AAP leader added that the BJP’s sole focus seemed to be “hurling abuses” at him throughout the day. Alleging that the BJP's central aim was “Kejriwal Hatao” (remove Kejriwal), Kejriwal asked whether people should vote for a party that is primarily focused on attacking its opposition.
(With inputs from PTI)
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