INDIA
CM Pinarayi Vijayan's office confirmed that Kerala had not figured in the list of states which would be presenting their tableaux on the R-day, but was yet to get official confirmation in this regard.
The Centre is understood to have rejected Left-ruled Kerala's float on Vaikom Satyagraha, a renaissance movement against untouchability and linked to temple access, for the Republic Day parade, according to state officials.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's office in Thiruvananthapuram confirmed on Wednesday that Kerala had not figured in the list of states which would be presenting their tableaux on the R-day, but was yet to get an official confirmation in this regard.
The development comes at a time when the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala and BJP-headed NDA at the Centre are at loggerheads over many issues, including the Supreme Court order on entry of women in Sabarimala shrine.
The Vaikom Satyagraha ( 1924-25) movement was held in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore (southern Kerala) to allow access to all people to the roads leading to the Lord Shiva Temple at Vaikom, near present Kottayam district.
However, official sources in Delhi said the Defence Ministry is yet to finalise the names of states, Union Territories and central government ministries for display of tableaux at the Republic Day parade "The theme of our float was Vaikom Satyagraha. It is learnt that the state's float was rejected. But, we are yet to get a written official communication from the Centre," Chief Minister's private secretary MV Jayarajan told PTI.
A senior state government official, on condition of anonymity, said there was a meeting of representatives on Wednesday from states whose floats had been selected, and when asked, it was "unofficially informed" from the Defence Ministry that the Kerala float had not been selected.
"It is was a stage-by-stage process. If a state is not called for the next level of scrutiny, it is deemed that it has been rejected.
"Four stages of selection process had been completed so far. In the last stage, there were 19 states. We came to know that 14 states have been shortlisted in the today's meeting in New Delhi," the official, who was associated with the float project, said.
The Centre's reported move comes at a time when the state government had launched a massive campaign in recent days to promote the renaissance values and movements of the state in the wake of the Sabarimala women entry issue.
The Left Democratic Front government has vowed to implement the Supreme Court allowing entry of women of all ages into the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa. There has been opposition from several quarters including the BJP which has said that it was for protecting the faith of the devotees who supported the tradition that disallowed entry of women in the 10-50 age group.
The state government was also planning to put up a "women's wall" to create awareness on Renaissance and progressive values in the wake of the top court's verdict.
Vaikom Satyagraha against untouchability was particularly aimed at getting permission for all sections of the society cutting across caste to travel through the roads leading to the Lord Shiva Temple at Vaikom. Several national leaders and social reformers across the country including Mahatma Gandhi had extended great support to the movement.
According to the state official, the Defence Ministry itself had suggested the theme for the state's tableau.
"They have suggested that as this year being the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we can depict some instances related to the Father of the Nation's visit to the state," he said.
The Ministry had suggested three themes- one was Mahatma's visit to the state in connection with Temple Entry Proclamation or Vaikom Satyagraha or the Non-Cooperation Movement, he said.
"Among them, we have selected Vaikom Satyagraha as our theme and presented it before the Ministry. The selection panel was very much impressed," he said, adding that the only suggestion they gave during the last meeting held on December 19 was to lessen the size of figures being depicted on the float.
But, the state had not received any further communication about the next meeting after that, the official said adding that he had no clue that on what grounds the state float had been rejected.
The sources in Delhi said around 20 states, Union Territories and central government ministries and departments were short listed by a panel of experts and a final call on the list is yet to be taken by the competent authority at the defence ministry.
They said 32 applications for tableaux were received from states and Union Territories while 23 requests came from various central government ministries and departments.
After screening all the applications, around 20 of them were short-listed by a panel comprising experts from the fields of art, culture, music and theatre. A number of officials from Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Culture were also part of the panel.
No bank holiday on Eid al-Fitr this year? Know reason behind this
Indian doctor claims THIS about paneer, milk, prompts debate on social media, netizens say...
Every home of THIS town owns a private jet, has unique street names, it is located in...
'Delight to meet Elon Musk's family...': PM Modi after call-on by Tesla CEO accompanied by his kids
Meet IAS officer, who cleared UPSC exam after getting inspired by Virat Kohli, her AIR was...
Happy Valentine's Day 2025: Wishes, WhatsApp messages, images, quotes to share with your partner
DNA TV Show: World Records in Mahakumbh 2025
Vidya Balan enjoys Sanam Teri Kasam in theatre, pens special note for team: 'Mawra aap kamaal ho'
Meet woman who owns Delhi's most expensive home worth Rs..., not Nita Ambani, Priti Adani
Samay Raina to perform in Mumbai on March 27 amid India's Got Latent controversy
Little girl's adorable dance to 'Khadke Glassy' wins hearts online, WATCH viral video
'Whole India in one coach’: Viral video shows chaos in first-class train to Mahakumbh, WATCH
Chhaava Movie Review: A groundbreaking epic that redefines the blockbuster experience
Gautam Adani pulls out of BIG Rs 8684 crore power project in THIS country due to...
Group of musicians perform iconic theme of 'Tom & Jerry' but here's a twist! WATCH viral video
ICC punishes Shaheen Afridi, two Pakistan stars for doing THIS vs South Africa
President's Rule imposed in Manipur days after N Biren Singh resigns as CM
Ramadan 2025: When will the holy month of Muslims begin in India? Know all details
Good news for India's richest banker, RBI lifts ban on his Rs 392000 crore company, allows it to...
WPL 2025 Opening Ceremony: Performers list, date, time, venue, live streaming - All you need to know
Meet man, aka coolest grandpa, who still works as actor and model at 89, he is from...
Meet IAS officer, who cracked UPSC exam in 2009, now promoted to key post in GOI as...
Honda, Nissan call off Rs 521825 crore merger, the reason is…
Valentine's Day 2025: Why do we celebrate this day? Know here
Ne Zha 2: Everything you need to know about the Chinese animated blockbuster
How I Can Make Your Child into an Ivy Leaguer: A Parent’s Guide to Success with Caroline Linger
Meet China’s newest billionaire, who runs bubble tea business, his net worth is Rs...
Top Government Schemes for Farmers, Artisans, and Students You Should Not Miss!
Why did RCB chose Rajat Patidar as captain over Virat Kohli? Team director Mo Bobat explains
Valentine’s Day 2025: Perfect last-minute gifts ideas for your partner
Man who saved Rishabh Pant's life in 2022 car accident, attempts suicide with girlfriend, she dies
FASTag New rule: All you need to know to avoid extra charges from February 17
Throwback: How did Rohit Sharma propose to Ritika Sajdeh? WATCH viral video
Did Ram Charan unfollow Allu Arjun after his father took a dig at Game Changer? Here's what we know
Who Are The Top 5 Most Influential Astrologers In India In 2025?
Delhi-NCR schools holiday: Are Delhi, Gurugram, Noida schools closed on Feb 14? Check here
THESE cricketers unfollowed Ranveer Allahbadia on social media amid India's Got Latent controversy?
‘Broke in 50 days’: Accenture employee-investor loses Rs 8 lakh in a day, his net worth is Rs…
Microsoft inaugurates new campus in THIS Indian city, plans to hire...
Shah Rukh Khan once bought laptop for Aamir Khan but he did not open it for...years because...
New Income Tax Bill 2025: FM Nirmala Sitharaman tables the new income tax bill in Lok Sabha
Emirates flight attendant's BTS video sparks firing rumours, airline responds, see post here
Anupam Mittal asks Namita Thapar to quit Shark Tank India because...: 'If you're...'
Meet comedian who was slapped, kicked out of film set by...; his net worth is now...
Top 3 iconic cricket rivalries
Couple recreates dance with same friend squad for sangeet after 10 years, watch viral video
Meet actor who served during Kargil War, put his career on hold for..., he is...
RCB captain announcement LIVE Updates: Rajat Patidar to lead team in IPL 2025
Ranveer Allahbadia cries in viral video over..., the truth behind it will shock you
Meet actress who is queen of Rs 500 cr club, set to enter again with..., she is...
Rohit Shetty teases 'biggest love story of 2025' feat Ranveer Singh and.., fans react