New Delhi: In view of the COVID-19 situation in the country, the customary At Home reception on the occasion of Republic Day at Rashtrapati Bhawan has been cancelled.
The tradition of the President hosting At Home reception in the evening of January 26 stands broken this year. According to sources, the decision was taken keeping in view safety and health protocols relating to COVID-19.
The Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has also tested positive and some of the Cabinet ministers were also reported to have been affected by the viral infection. The traditional reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan is attended by the Prime Minister, ministers, top officials, leaders of opposition parties, members of the diplomatic corps, leading personalities from diverse backgrounds and select media persons.
For the second successive year, there will not be any foreign dignitary attending the Republic Day parade in the Capital due to the Covid situation.
Raj Bhawans in Chennai and Kolkata have also decided not to host the Republic Day At Home reception on January 26.