Mamata writes to PM Modi on exclusion of Bengal's Netaji-centred tableau from R-Day parade

Expressing shock over the Centre's decision to exclude West Bengal's tableau, which was set to highlight contributions of freedom fighters, from the upcoming Republic Day Parade in Delhi, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to reconsider the decision as people of the state would be "pained" by the move.

Banerjee also said that no reason was cited for the tableau's rejection.

“I have been profoundly shocked and hurt by the decision of the Government of India to abruptly exclude the proposed tableau of the Government of West Bengal from the ensuing Republic Day Parade,” Banerjee said in a two-page letter to Modi.

She wet on to write “it is even more baffling for us that the tableau was rejected without assigning any reasons or justifications.” The proposed tableau was to commemorate the contributions of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his INA on his 125th birth anniversary year, the Chief Minister said.

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“I may like to inform you that all the people of West Bengal are deeply pained by this attitude of the central government. It is shocking to find that the contribution of its valiant freedom fighters finds no place in the nation’s ceremony to celebrate the occasion of the Republic Day on the 75th year of our Independence.

“I urge you to reconsider the decision and include the tableau of freedom fighters from West Bengal in the Republic Day parade on the 75th year of our Independence,” Banerjee added.

The Central Government has decided to start the Republic Day celebrations every year from January 23 instead of January 24 to include the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The Centre has also rejected the Kerala government's proposed tableau on social reformer Sree Narayana Guru and the Jatayu Park monument. According to reports, the Centre wanted a tableau on Adi Sankaracharya but the government insisted on Sree Narayana Guru.

(With inputs from agencies)