Explained: How are Tableaux for Republic Day Parade Selected?

Republic Day parade is an annual event that marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution and the country's shift to a democratic republic. Led by the President along Kartavya Path in New Delhi, the parade showcases both military prowess and cultural heritage, featuring tableaux from States, Union Territories, Central ministries, and departments.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) oversees the parade's execution and collaborates with States and other entities for coordination. Preparations, synonymous with national pride, commence months before the ceremony, involving the meticulous selection and shortlisting of tableaux.

For the 2024 Republic Day parade, 16 States and UTs, such as Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, have been chosen following four rounds of meetings.

The selection process is regulated by the MoD, which invites submissions of tableau sketches or designs from States, UTs, and departments, adhering to a specific theme. For instance, the theme for this year is 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and 'Bharat-Loktantra ki Matruka' (India-Mother of Democracy).

Designs must be simple, colourful, easy to comprehend, and avoid unnecessary details and statistical data. The Ministry sets guidelines, including the use of eco-friendly materials and technology. The submitted proposals undergo scrutiny by a committee of experts from various fields, including arts, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, and choreography.

The committee conducts initial evaluations, suggests modifications, and, upon approval, requires participants to present three-dimensional models of their proposed tableaux. These models are examined for final selection, and only shortlisted candidates advance to the next round.

The final selection considers factors such as visual appeal, impact on the masses, the theme of the tableaux, degree of detail, accompanying music, and the use of local resources. The selected models are then transferred to the Ministry of Defence for safekeeping. This evaluation process typically spans five to six rounds of meetings.

While a State can propose multiple tableaux, only one is chosen for the final parade, reflecting the Ministry's rationale of time constraints and the desire to showcase the best entries. However, the exclusion of proposals from Opposition-ruled States has prompted accusations of 'discrimination' by the BJP government.

In the current year, tableau proposals from Punjab, Delhi, and West Bengal, all non-BJP ruled States, did not make the final cut. The Centre dismissed the criticism as baseless, asserting that rejected proposals did not align with this year's broader theme.

Allegations of 'tableau politics' have surfaced in previous years, irrespective of the ruling party, prompting the Defence Ministry to propose a rollover plan for States and Union Territories. The plan aims to ensure equitable distribution, allowing each State and UT an opportunity to showcase their tableaux within a three-year cycle.