Outrage over placards, CM says ‘will end this practice’

Earlier, the BJP accused Kejriwal of misusing the Independence Day function and called him a “megalomaniac”, after school children displayed Kejriwal’s name using colourful placards. However, they also displayed other messages using placards like “Welcome” and “Parade 2015”

Delhi BJP President Satish Upadhyay said the AAP government was “politically misusing the Independence Day function and lowering the dignity and sanctity of the day”

However, the Delhi government released photographs of Independence Day functions held in the past, which showed students displaying the names of Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and former chief minister Sheila Dikshit, using placards.

“This direct and concrete evidence should put an end to undesirable speculation…it is unfortunate that a needless controversy was created where none existed. The government wants to set the record straight so that it does not interfere in preparations for celebrations of events of national importance,” said a government statement.

‘It is a routine exercise’

More than 2,000 students from schools run by the Delhi government participated in the Independence Day celebrations, witnessed by nearly 10,000 spectators, including chief guest CM Arvind Kejriwal.

On the row over the placard, Harjeet Kaur, deputy director of education, Directorate of Education, said, “This is a routine exercise and it happens every year. One placard among so many has to have the chief guest’s name. Other placards — stating ‘parade 2015’, ‘welcome’ and
‘swagatam’ — were also displayed.