The Ministry of Defence has reportedly rejected allegations of discrimination against Punjab and West Bengal in featuring state tableaux on Republic Day.
According to ministry sources quoted by ANI, the criticism for not selecting tableux from the two states is baseless.
The sources said that Punjab's tableau was rejected after the third round, while that of West Bengal only made it to the second round.
Defending the decision, the sources added that in the last eight years, Punjab's tableau was featured on Republic Day six times, where as that of Bengal five times.
"As states have to be treated equally, it is essential that states should be given the opportunity to display their tableaus as per a formula. GOI is preparing a 3-year program covering all states/UTs which will be shared with all the States/UTs. Hence, the criticism by these states is baseless," the sources said.