The political feud between the AAP and BJP intensifies over the exclusion of Delhi’s tableau from the Republic Day parade, a controversy that has persisted since 2022 and continues with its omission in 2025.
As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has accused the Centre of engaging in vendetta politics by excluding Delhi’s tableau from the Republic Day parade. Speaking to the media on Sunday in New Delhi, Kejriwal claimed that the Modi government was venting its frustration on Delhi residents.
“Delhi’s tableau should be included in the Republic Day parade every year as the nation’s capital. What kind of politics is this? Why do they have such disdain for Delhi and its people? Why should Delhi vote for them (BJP)?” Kejriwal questioned during the press interaction.
Kejriwal further criticized the BJP for lacking a clear narrative and agenda for the Delhi elections. “Instead of focusing on issues, they attack me and my party continuously. Is this the reason why Delhi should vote them into power? Why are the people of Delhi being excluded from participating in the Republic Day parade?” he asked.
The issue of Delhi’s exclusion from the Republic Day tableau lineup has been a point of contention between the AAP and BJP for the past few years, with Delhi’s tableau also missing from the 2025 parade.
Tableaux from various states and Union Territories, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Chandigarh, Karnataka, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal, have been selected for Republic Day 2025.
In response to Kejriwal’s allegations of deliberate exclusion, the Ministry of Defence clarified that the tableau selection process is impartial and fair, based on a rotating roster system. Sources explained that the process includes a rotation allowing 15 states and UTs to participate every three years. Although Delhi was shortlisted for 2025, its proposal was not approved by the Tableau Selection Committee.
The Ministry also noted that some states and UTs, such as Mizoram and Sikkim, did not submit proposals, while Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep did not attend the selection meetings.
The government emphasized that the selection is based on creativity and merit, not political affiliations, pointing to the inclusion of Punjab, which is governed by AAP, as evidence of the fairness of the process.
India will celebrate its 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025.
