Chandigarh:

Stressing that Punjab’s tableau won’t be showcased in a “rejected category”, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has stated the state’s tableau that was not chosen for the Republic Day parade won’t be displayed at Bharat Parv in Red Fort both.

Amid the political row over Punjab’s tableau not making it to the Republic Day parade in Delhi, the Defence Ministry had written to the state authorities, inviting them to show it throughout Bharat Parv from January 23 to 31.

In a social media put up, Mr Mann has stated the sacrifices of freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Udham Singh and others won’t be displayed in a “rejected category”. “They are our heroes, we know how to respect them,” he stated.

The comment is Mr Mann’s newest strike within the tableau row. Earlier, he had accused the Centre of discriminating towards Punjab and stated that “if they have their way, they will take out the word ‘Punjab’ from the national anthem”.

In response, Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar had accused Mr Mann of politicising the problem. He had claimed that Punjab’s tableau was not shortlisted due to its “crude” make. He additionally alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party authorities wished photographs of social gathering chief Arvind Kejriwal and Mr Mann on the tableau. This is just not allowed as per protocol and is likely one of the causes for the tableau’s rejection, he stated.

This drew a pointy retort from the Chief Minister, who stated he would give up politics if the state BJP president can show his allegation.

“Jakhar should give proof that Arvind Kejriwal or Bhagwant Mann’s photos were to be put on the tableau. Do they think we are mad? If Jakhar can prove it, I will quit politics,” he stated, including that if he fails, “he should then also not enter Punjab”.

“Will (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi now choose which tableau is to be shown and which not,” Mr Mann stated.

A Defence Ministry supply has, in the meantime, stated there’s a well-established system for the number of tableaux. “The tableaux proposals received from various States/UTs and Central Ministries/Departments are evaluated in a series of meetings of the “Expert Committee for number of tableaux comprising eminent individuals within the subject of artwork, tradition, portray, sculpture, music, structure, choreography and so forth. The Expert Committee examines the proposals on the idea of theme, idea, design and its visible affect earlier than making its suggestions,” the source said, according to news agency ANI.

Ministry of Defence Sources on the issue of alleged rejection of tableaux of Punjab and West Bengal for Republic Day 2024. pic.twitter.com/u7NP5kWZSa

— ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2023

For the 2024 Republic Day, the source said, 30 states/Union Territories have shown the willingness to participate, but entries from only 15-16 will be selected.

“The tableau proposal of Punjab was thought-about in first three rounds of assembly of the Expert Committee. After the third spherical of assembly, the tableau of Punjab couldn’t be taken ahead by the Expert Committee for additional consideration for not aligning to the broader themes of this yr’s tableau,” the source said.

The source also noted that the tableau of Punjab has been shortlisted for the Republic Day parade six times in the last eight years.

Following the Defence Ministry’s explanation, AAP spokesperson Malvinder Singh Kang said Mr Jakhar now “stands uncovered”.

Today,Mr. @sunilkjakhar stands exposed before the people of Punjab.

The Ministry of Defence’s clarification on the exclusion of Punjab’s tableau in the Republic Parade reveals the truth.

Mr Jakhar’s attempt to mislead Punjab, alleging the rejection was due to photos of… pic.twitter.com/CUfpEDi6ay

— Malvinder Singh Kang (@kang_malvinder) December 31, 2023

“The Ministry of Defence’s clarification on the exclusion of Punjab’s tableau within the Republic Parade reveals the reality. Mr Jakhar’s try and mislead Punjab, alleging the rejection was on account of photographs of Kejriwal ji and Mann Saab, now calls for accountability. Where are the alleged designs carrying the images of Kejriwal Ji & Mann Saab, Mr Jakhar?” he requested.