Controversies mar republic day celebrations The west Bengal Govt is fuming over non inclusion of state tableau highlighting women power. It could be that the same team was taken well taken care of by number of such themes and it would be redundant, It is only a conjecture but no definite answer t o that respect. The selection committee in its wisdom, if not discrimination has left out some non BJP states in particular .Again that some states that were represented last year could be omitted does not cut much ice , since their inclusion this year too. Some states depicting fishing, bird sanctuary, cultivation of cardamom has no significance of cultural aspect at all. Can the National selection team on tableaus portraying diverse culture and growth publicly answer its objective criteria to set the matters right, when TMC is crying foul on discrimination and seeking to make political capital on exclusion without valid justification? Does the committee convey reasons of non inclusion to the states
The Doordarshan cameras were prominently focusing on Kiran Bedi, seated in front row, the CM candidate of BJP, The argument that cameramen are not directed, instructed on such matters is an eyewash. It is well understood that Govt being in power and controlling the ministry would wish it so. It is blatant abuse of power to project Bedi and create an intended controversy to benefit her candidature, showing retrospectively Arwind of AAP in poor light in comparison. There is no protocol of inviting Ex CM of Delhi or any other state and if they wish to attend they must seek an invite. Kiran Bedi is invited as a special guest and as someone states, she is an important person at the moment .When asked for comment, Bedi jockingly, mockingly and sarcastically asks Kejrival to join BJP to secure an invite It is a ridiculous statement of condescending mind. The argument that last year on republic day Kejrival sat on dharna and threatened as the then CM to disrupt the function, which threat was not carried out. He cannot therefore be labeled as an anarchist, naxal revolutionist and anti national and totally discredited. To hold this grudge against AAP, when UPA was ruling at the centre is an unconvincing justification The fact of the matter is that AAP leader has not requested or made a grievance directly, but was only responding to a pointed question on the invite The double standard of BJP of inviting Bedi as an special guest seated in front rows and cameras focusing on her is not accidental, unintentional as they would like us to believe The servant knows what the expectations are of the masters to curry favour and make it appear innocuous act. Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
