Punjab tableau not selected for Republic Day parade as it did not align with broader theme: MoD

The MoD clarified there is a well-established system to select tableaux for the Republic Day Parade as per which the Ministry of Defence invites proposals for tableau from all States and Union Territories (UTs) and Central Ministries and Departments.

“The tableaux proposals received from various States/UTs and Central Ministries/Departments are evaluated in a series of meetings of the “Expert Committee for selection of tableaux” comprising eminent persons in the field of art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, choreography etc. The Expert Committee examines the proposals on the basis of theme, concept, design, and visual impact before making its recommendations,” the statement said.

It added that due to the time allotted for tableaux in the overall duration of the parade, shortlisting of tableaux is done by the Expert Committee which leads to the participation of the best tableaux in Parade.

For the Republic Day Parade, 2024, 30 States and UTs, including Punjab and West Bengal, had shown their willingness to participate in the parade. Out of these 30 States and UTs, like every year, only 15-16 States and UTs will be finally selected to present their tableaux in the Republic Day Parade 2024.

“While the tableau proposal of West Bengal was considered in the first two rounds of meeting of the Expert Committee. After the second round of meeting, the tableau of West Bengal could not be taken forward by the Expert Committee for further consideration for not aligning to the broader themes of this year’s tableau,” the statement added.

The MoD statement said that during the last few years, the tableau of Punjab has been shortlisted for the Republic Day Parade by the Expert Committee from 2017 to 2022 and that of West Bengal for 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023.

“As states have to be treated equally, it is essential that states should be given the opportunity to display their tableaus as per a formula. GOI is preparing a 3-year program covering all states/UTs which will be shared with all the States/UTs. Hence, the criticism by these states is baseless,” the statement said.

As per the MOU signed with them, the MoD added the states and UTs which have not been selected for the Republic Day Parade 2024 are being invited to showcase their tableaux during Bharat Parv at Red Fort, New Delhi, from January 23 to 31.