Face-saver for CM: Centre allows state tableau for RD parade

Face-saver for CM Bommai: Centre allows Karnataka tableau for RD Parade

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: Following criticism from various quarters and mainly from the opposition parties, the Government of India has given the green signal for the participation of the tableau from Karnataka in the Republic Day parade to be held in New Delhi on January 26.

This has come as a facesaver for Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai who faced a barrage of criticism from the Opposition Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) after the Karnataka tableau was denied permission under the pretext of permitting the tableaux from other states. On Thursday, a letter from the Ministry of Defence to the chief secretary of Karnataka said the tableau proposal of Karnataka has been shortlisted for participation in the RD Parade, 2023.

This has come as a breather for the CM who faced embarrassment following the denial of permission by the BJP government at the Centre and had become an easy target for opposition parties. Since the Assembly polls are due to be held in April-May this year, this issue would have snowballed into a major controversy.

It is learnt that Bommai brought the issue to the notice of Union Home Minister Amit Shah who in turn issued necessary directions to the authorities concerned to include Karnataka in the list of tableaux. The inclusion happened after the intervention of union ministers, said sources.

The design and theme have been accepted by the committee concer ned. This time, the tableau has the theme of three women achievers including Salumarada Thimmakka and Soolagitti Narasamma.