R-Day tableau exclusion: Kejriwal calls it vendetta politics
The political battle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensified over the exclusion of Delhi’s tableau from the upcoming Republic Day parade, with AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal accusing the Centre of vendetta politics.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Kejriwal criticised the Modi government for not including Delhi’s tableau in the Republic Day parade, despite the city being the nation’s capital. He accused the Centre of expressing frustration against the people of Delhi. “Delhi’s tableau should be included in the Republic Day parade every year as it is the nation’s capital. What type of politics is this? Why do they hate Delhi and its people so much? Why should Delhi vote for them (BJP) then?” Kejriwal said.
BJP hits back
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva questioned what Kejriwal would showcase if Delhi were to have a tableau. “Will it be Delhi’s broken roads, or the tragic story of 62 deaths caused by waterlogging? Or perhaps the struggle of people forced to buy drinking water?” he asked. He also highlighted the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna
“These people (BJP) have no narrative, planning, programme or issues to fight the Delhi elections around. They abuse me and my party day and night. Why are people of Delhi stopped from participating in the Republic Day parade?” he asked.
In response to Kejriwal’s comments, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva accused the former Delhi Chief Minister of politicising the issue.The BJP leader questioned what Kejriwal would showcase if Delhi were to have a tableau. “Will it be Delhi’s broken roads, or the tragic story of 62 deaths caused by waterlogging? Or perhaps the struggle of people forced to buy drinking water?” he asked. Sachdeva also highlighted the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna, an issue Kejriwal has yet to address effectively during his tenure. Sachdeva reminded the public of Kejriwal’s actions in 2014, when he staged a protest during Republic Day celebrations. “Kejriwal’s true nature is evident whenever a national festival approaches. Delhiites still remember how, in 2014, when the whole city was preparing to celebrate Republic Day, Kejriwal tarnished its dignity by staging a protest,” Sachdeva said.
He also clarified that the decision on which state’s tableau will appear in the parade is made by a high-level committee, with a limited number of spaces available, and themes must be non-political. “Kejriwal is aware that the decision is taken by a designated committee, and the number of tableaux is limited. But since elections are approaching, he is trying to divert attention from real issues,” Sachdeva added.
Sachdeva also criticised Kejriwal for trying to politicise the Republic Day tableau issue, accusing him of engaging in petty politics. “By doing so, Kejriwal has once again showcased his political gamesmanship,” Sachdeva remarked.
