Punjab BJP President accuses CM Bhagwant Mann of politicizing Republic Day exclusion

• Punjab BJP accuses CM Mann of politicizing Republic Day tableau featuring photos of Mann and AAP convener Kejriwal
• State BJP President Sunil Jakhar emphasizes that the Republic Day parade is not a platform for self-endorsement
• Mann alleges Centre's deliberate exclusion of Punjab's tableau, claiming bias in favor of BJP-ruled stat

Tensions rise in Punjab as State BJP President Sunil Jakhar accuses CM Bhagwant Mann of politicizing the exclusion of the state's tableau from the Republic Day parade. Jakhar alleges that the AAP government pushed for featuring photographs of Mann and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal on the tableau, contributing to its rejection by the central government's ceremonial unit.

In response, Jakhar emphasizes that the Republic Day parade should not serve as a platform for self-promotion, urging against unnecessary politicization, especially in a sensitive border state like Punjab. Meanwhile, Mann claims that Punjab's tableau has been deliberately excluded for the second consecutive year, accusing the Centre of favoring BJP-ruled states and expressing concern over the cultural sidelining of Punjab.

He showcases pictures of the prepared tableaux and contends that even AAP-ruled Delhi faced rejection, painting a picture of cultural bias against non-BJP governed states.