New Delhi: Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday held Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government responsible for the absence of a tableaux representing West Bengal at this year’s Republic Day parade.
They also said their idea for the float was rejected despite repeated requests.
“The theme of the Bengal tableaux was unique: the ‘Kanyashree scheme’, which has already benefitted 10 lakh young girls. Now the UN is also partnering in the scheme and it is a path-breaking initiative. When we gave the concept [to the Centre], it was rejected. We made several requests, but it was still not approved, which is why Bengal was not represented today,” TMC leader Derek O’ Brien said.
However, when asked why the idea for the tableaux was not taken forward, O’ Brien did not reply.
A total of 25 tableaux participated in the Republic Day parade, with 16 belonging to the states.
Many themed tableaux, depicting the ‘Make in India’ lion, the Department of Atomic Energy, and the Law Ministry were popular amongst the spectators.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Republic Day parade chief guest US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on their arrival at the saluting dais at Rajpath.
Prime Minister Modi also paid tribute at the ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’, the memorial dedicated to martyrs who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation.
India also witnessed the first march by women army, navy and air force personnel at the Republic Day parade.
President Mukherjee also presented the prestigious Ashok Chakra award to Major Mukund Varadarajan and Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh posthumously.
President Obama is the first U..president to attend the Republic Day celebrations and is also the first US president to visit the country twice while in office.Â