Karnataka’s tableau will not feature in the Republic Day parade. The decision to drop the state has led several opposition parties and citizens to criticise the government in the state and at the centre. The Chief Minister of the BJP-led government of Karnataka has been at the centre of this criticism as many are blaming them for “failing to safeguard” the interests of the state.
The Department of Information and Public Relations has reasoned out the absence of Karnataka’s tableau. The department stated that they wanted to allow the states and Union Territories which have not been featured in the last eight years. The Republic Day parade has been showcasing different aspects of Karnataka culture for the last 13 years.
“Regarding the participation of States’ tableau in Republic Day parade this year, Government of India has issued guidelines, providing an opportunity to the States that did not take part/took part least number of times during the last 8 years. Hence, the State of Karnataka has not got the chance to take part in the Republic Day Parade,” said C R Naveen, Nodal Officer for Republic Day Tableau.
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi said that the government does not interfere in these matters. However, he also assured us that they will try to get the tableau for Karnataka for the parade.
Reactions
It is unfortunate to know that Karnataka will not be participating in the #RepublicDay parade this year.
Rejection of Karnataka's tableaux reflects how serious @BJP4Karnataka is about upholding the pride of our state.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) January 7, 2023
Incapable & weak @BSBommai 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 the Republic Day.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) January 7, 2023
.@BJP4Karnataka leaders are known for only making noise in our state, but are cowards in front of their high command.
State BJP govt has pledged our pride to accommodate the interests of their high command.
Did any of the BJP MPs raise objections for rejecting our tableaux?
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) January 7, 2023
Rejection of tableau of state for republic day celebrations is the step motherly attitude towards our state by centre@BSBommai is weak & incapable to push for the state rights
It's injustice to the state & 25 MPs of state are ineffective to protect state's rights#Karnataka
— Hariprasad.B.K. (@HariprasadBK2) January 10, 2023
The last time a Karnataka tableau did not make it to Republic day parade was in 2009.
BJP in the state and Congress in the center then.— Kiran Kumar S (@KiranKS) January 8, 2023
While it’s bit sad and unfortunate that Karnataka didn’t make into final list of Republic Day tableau this time after 13 consecutive years, happy that other underrepresented states will be given chance as per the new formula. https://t.co/019nrg63qu https://t.co/4WdyD0c6Da
— Śrīdatta (@sridatta_a) January 9, 2023