A political confrontation erupted between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP-led Centre after reports surfaced that Delhi’s tableau had been excluded from the 2025 Republic Day parade. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed strong discontent, accusing the Centre of engaging in political games and deliberately sidelining the national capital.
In a media interaction on Sunday, Arvind Kejriwal criticized the decision, questioning why Delhi’s tableau had been excluded again this year. He emphasized that as the national capital, Delhi should have its presence showcased during Republic Day celebrations every year. “I want to ask them — why is Delhi’s tableau being excluded once again this year? Why are the people of Delhi being prevented from participating in the Republic Day celebrations?” Arvind Kejriwal said, speaking to the press.
Arvind Kejriwal further criticized the Centre for this decision, claiming that Delhi’s tableau had been continuously omitted for several years, which he described as an act of political animosity towards the city and its residents. “What kind of politics is this? Why is there so much hatred towards Delhi and its people? If these leaders hold such animosity, why should the people of Delhi vote for them?” he added.
The AAP-BJP rivalry over the non-inclusion of Delhi’s tableau in the Republic Day parade has been ongoing for several years, with both parties using the issue to accuse each other of political motives.
In response to Arvind Kejriwal’s allegations, the Ministry of Defence issued a clarification, stating that the tableau selection process was fair and conducted under a rotating roster system. According to the ministry, a total of 15 states and Union Territories (UTs) were selected to participate in the 2025 Republic Day parade. Delhi was among the shortlisted states for 2025 but failed to secure approval from the Tableau Selection Committee. The ministry also explained that, under the roster system, other states and UTs, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Chandigarh, and West Bengal, were chosen to take their place.
Reacting to Arvind Kejriwal’s criticism, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva accused the AAP leader of playing politics ahead of elections. He reminded Delhiites of a 2014 incident when Arvind Kejriwal had staged a protest during the Republic Day celebrations, which he claimed tarnished the dignity of the occasion. Sachdeva also pointed out that the selection of tableaux is determined by a designated committee, with limited spots available, which Arvind Kejriwal was aware of. He further alleged that Arvind Kejriwal was attempting to divert attention from real issues as elections approach in Delhi.
The last time Delhi’s tableau appeared in the Republic Day parade was in 2021.
