West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday, 4 December, slammed the BJP-led Central government for allegedly excluding the state's tableau from the Republic Day parade which was based on the theme of unity.
Stating that Bengal believes in togetherness of all faith, she alleged that the BJP is dividing the people on the basis of religion.
“This year the proposed theme for our Republic Day tableau was unity. I think that is why we have been left out,” Banerjee said after inaugurating ‘Jaideb Kenduli Mela 2018’ in Birbhum district.
A group of 'bauls' (a group of mystic minstrels) were present there in large numbers wearing traditional saffron attire.
In an obvious reference to the BJP-RSS, Banerjee said:
Saffron does not match everybody. If we find anyone misusing saffron colour, we will raise our voice.
She said her government has brought together several artistes to showcase the state's tableau which was not included in the parade.
The state government patronised over 2 lakh artistes representing various forms of art and culture. Some of them even participated in the state government's advertisement.
The chief minister cautioned the people of Birbhum district against any activity by some Maoist groups in the neighbouring area.
She also announced a number of development programmes in the district.
Every year, the defence ministry selects a tableaux from different states for the national Republic Day parade to display the country’s diversity, heritage and progress.
"The criteria set for selection of tableau are quite stringent. They usually look for three parameters – international branding, national integration and aesthetic value,” an official from the selection committee told Times of India.
Bihar will also not be seen in this year’s Republic Day Parade.
Delhi was rejected three years in a row. This year, the capital city is making a comeback after a hat-trick of rejections.
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