'Refurbished': BJP Hits Back After Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Accuses Centre Of Rejecting State Tableaux

After Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann criticised the BJP-led central government for omitting Punjab's tableau from the Republic Day parade, BJP leader responded, accusing Mann of a familiar tactic.

File Photos: BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa (L) & Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann (R)

Source : Getty Images

Following Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's criticism of the BJP-led central government for omitting Punjab's tableau from the Republic Day parade, a war of words has ensued between the two political entities.

Responding to Mann's allegations, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday drew parallels with the tactics of Arvind Kejriwal, accusing the Punjab government of repeatedly submitting tableaus that were bound to be rejected. "This has been Arvind Kejriwal's strategy for nine years: submit projects destined for rejection and then complain. Bhagwant Mann is replicating this in Punjab," stated Sirsa, pointing out the rejection of Punjab's tableau in previous years.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's statement, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa says, "...This has been Arvind Kejriwal's modus operandi since the last 9 years send in projects and plans which are likely to be rejected, and then cry foul play. And he is making Bhagwant… pic.twitter.com/AHUMalEvnM

— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023

Mann, during a press conference in Chandigarh after his visit to Fatehgarh Sahib, expressed disappointment with the Centre's decision. He highlighted that, for the second consecutive year, Punjab's tableau would not feature in the Republic Day parade on January 26. "Last year, Punjab's tableau was absent, and for 2024, despite our efforts, it remains excluded," remarked Mann, referencing the unsuccessful communication with the Centre on the matter.

#WATCH | Chandigarh: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann says, "Last year the tableau of Punjab was not there in the Republic Day parade. For 2024 also they (the Central Government) refused to include the tableau of Punjab in the Republic Day parade.... We wrote a letter also but Punjab's… pic.twitter.com/EmOALkF7Go

— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023

READ | 'Punjab's Republic Day Tableau Snubbed Again': Bhagwant Mann Hits Out At Centre

Further intensifying the dispute, Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused the Centre of biased treatment towards Punjab. "The tableau, which aimed to honour Punjab's martyrs and their significant contribution to India's freedom struggle, was unjustly dismissed," Cheema was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. He further emphasised the sacrifices made by Punjabis during the independence movement. He also warned of consequences for the BJP's alleged disrespect towards Punjab's history and its heroes.

#WATCH | Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema says, On Republic Day, every state's tableau is displayed about their progress and achievement. Since BJP came to power in the Centre, they're showing partiality to Punjab. During freedom struggle, the people of Punjab sacrificed their… pic.twitter.com/D7uql7zjhq

— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023

VIDEO | “BJP is doing step-motherly behavior with Punjab. We prepared the tableau showcasing the life and history of Punjab’s martyrs who gave their lives for Independence, but the Central government rejected it,” says Punjab minister @HarpalCheemaMLA on non-inclusion of the… pic.twitter.com/RKcyHRLVi8

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 27, 2023