BJP and Congress Clash Over Centre’s Rejection of Karnataka’s Republic Day Tableau
GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 10th Jan. Responding to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s accusation that the Central government denied Karnataka the opportunity to present its tableau during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra said on Wednesday that instead of politicizing the issue, the government should have approached the Centre.
He explained that Karnataka had been part of the parade for 14 consecutive years, but other states were given the chance this year.
“As far as the tableau issue is concerned, Karnataka has had an opportunity for the last 14 years. Since every state has to get the opportunity, Karnataka has missed this time,” Vijayendra told reporters.
Last year when Karnataka’s tableau proposal initially did not get permission, the then BJP government “rushed” to Delhi, made a request and ensured that the state got the chance.
“But this time the state government did not choose to do that. Immediately when they got the information that Karnataka is not getting the opportunity, instead of making it a political issue, they should have approached the Central government,” the Shikaripura MLA said.
He, however, claimed that Karnataka will be given an opportunity at the Republic Day parade next year. “The state tableau will be kept in the exhibition so that no injustice happens to the state.” “Unfortunately the present government here in Karnataka, especially the chief minister, is trying to make an issue out of this…,” he said.
Siddaramaiah had previously stated that the Central government insulted the people of Karnataka by denying the state’s tableau at the Republic Day parade. He mentioned that several proposals were sent, but all were rejected.
“We had conceptualised the tableau of Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar to depict his immense contributions to democracy and development of our state. We had also sent proposals to depict the contributions of Kittur Rani Chennamma and Nadaprabhu Kempegowda too along with the proposals to showcase Karnataka’s rich nature and Brand Bengaluru. However, the Central Committee rejected our request, depriving us of the opportunity to introduce the nation to our state’s immense achievements and exemplary figures,” he said.
The fact that the Congress government is in power in the state seems to be a concerning factor to the BJP-led Central Government, Siddaramaiah alleged.
Meanwhile, Vijayendra said three-four months ago, the Congress was under the impression that it would win 18 to 20 Lok Sabha seats out of the total 28 in Karnataka in the coming elections.
However, after the results of the Assembly elections in five states were declared, the situation in Karnataka has dramatically changed, he said.
“The trend and the mood of the people of Karnataka is clear. They want to see Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister for the third consecutive time. In Karnataka, the BJP is going to have a clear sweep in next Lok Sabha elections along with our ally JD(S),” he claimed.
