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.
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.
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.