Kolkata: Amid the ongoing tensions between West Bengal and BJP-led Centre, the Union Ministry of Defence on Wednesday rejected the state’s proposal for the Republic Day parade on January 26.
“The tableau proposal of West Bengal government was examined by the expert committee in two rounds of meetings. The tableau proposal of the West Bengal government was not taken forward for further consideration by the committee after deliberations in the second meeting,” the ministry said in its statement.
“The expert committee examines the proposals on the basis of theme, concept, design and visual impact before making its recommendations. Due to time constraints arising out of the overall duration of the parade, only a limited number of tableaux can be shortlisted for participation in the parade,” the statement read.
A total of 56 tableau proposals including 32 from states and union territories and 24 from various ministries and departments were received by the central government. At the final stage, now a total of 22 proposals have been shortlisted after five meetings.
