The tableau from Karnataka couldn't make the cut for the Republic Day parade after 13 years. In response, the Department of Information and Public Relations reasoned that the Ministry of Defence wanted to give Karnataka a break and give an opportunity to those states who couldn't take part in the last eight years.
The state's tableau missing out in the Republic Day parade has irked the opposition and former CM and Congress leader Siddaramaiah slammed CM Basavaraj Bommai for "failing to safeguard" the state's interest.
In a Tweet, Siddaramaiah said, "It is unfortunate to know that Karnataka will not be participating in the Republic Day parade this year. Rejection of Karnataka's tableaux reflects how serious BJP Karnataka is about upholding the pride of our state."
The Congress leader took a dig at the Bommai government by saying the ruling government is worried about looting government resources through 40 per cent commission. "Incapable & weak Basavaraj Bommai and his cabinet ministers are worried about looting government resources through 40% commission. Had they put in a little more thought in designing the theme, Karnataka could have presented its tableaux on Republic Day.
While stating BJP government in Karnataka has pledged our pride to accommodate the interests of their high command, he questioned, "Did any of the BJP MPs raise objections for rejecting our tableaux?"
It was the 2022 Karnataka tableau, which showcased its cradle of traditional handicrafts, was adjudged the second best among 12 states and Union Territories.