(Image source from: Timesnownews.com)

In a recent press conference, Delhi Art, Culture and Languages Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj expressed his disappointment with the Central government's decision to reject the tableaux of Delhi and Punjab for the Republic Day parade. He accused the BJP-led government of exacting revenge on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which governs both Delhi and Punjab.

According to Mr. Bharadwaj, Delhi's tableaux have been rejected for three consecutive years now, with the last inclusion in the Republic Day parade being in 2021, showcasing the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project. This year, the Delhi tableau would have highlighted the city's schools and the mohalla clinic model, which provides accessible healthcare in local communities.

Mr. Bharadwaj emphasized that the rejection of Delhi's and Punjab's tableaux was not a result of any design competition, and the Delhi government had incorporated suggestions given by the Central government into their proposals. He questioned the intentions of the BJP-led government, stating that their actions are persistently aimed at retaliating against the AAP.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also criticized the Centre for not including Punjab's tableau in the parade and accused them of discrimination, claiming that 80% of the selected states are BJP-ruled.

In conclusion, the rejection of Delhi's and Punjab's tableaux by the Central government for the Republic Day parade has raised suspicions of retaliation against the AAP. The ministers from both states have expressed their disappointment and criticized the Centre's alleged discriminatory actions.