New Delhi [India], December 23: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of engaging in “dirty politics” after Delhi’s tableau was excluded from the Republic Day parade for the fourth consecutive year. AAP leader Priyanka Kakkar slammed the BJP, claiming that the central government’s decision to block Delhi’s participation was a reflection of its “low-level dirty politics.”
Kakkar stated, “Delhi has many achievements to showcase, from its schools to Mohalla clinics and infrastructural works done by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. But despite this, the BJP has continuously prevented us from participating.” She further accused the BJP of harboring animosity toward the people of Delhi, as they had repeatedly rejected the BJP in recent elections.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Parvesh Verma dismissed AAP’s claims, suggesting that the issue was politically motivated ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Verma explained that not all states participate in the Republic Day parade every year, and that states with noteworthy tableaux models are selected. He argued that if Delhi’s tableau had been of good quality and participated in previous years, it would have been chosen.
Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal questioned the central government’s motives in excluding Delhi’s tableau, accusing them of playing politics. “Why is the Delhi tableau not allowed to participate every year? What is the reason for this hostility against the people of Delhi?” Kejriwal asked, adding that the BJP lacked a vision for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
Kejriwal also criticized the BJP for focusing on attacking him and AAP, rather than presenting a constructive vision for the city’s future. He emphasized that the people of Delhi deserved better than just abuse from the BJP.
In addition to the political controversy, Kejriwal announced that the registration process for two major welfare schemes, the ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana’ and ‘Sanjeevani Yojana,’ would begin on December 23. Under the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana,’ women in Delhi will receive Rs 2,100 per month.