Days after India celebrated its 68th Republic Day, Karnataka folk artists are now alleging corruption and favouritism in the celebrations. They have filed a complaint with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and are seeking an inquiry into the entire selection process of state-wise tableaus that are showcased at the parade on Rajpath.
According to the complaint, the artists claim that some defence officials, along with a few contractors, tried to commercialise the event by taking favours. They also allege that folk artists from Karnataka faced discrimination at the hands of the authorities due to such corrupt practices, reports Bangalore Mirror.
They also accused officials of selecting those performers who were not even trained dancers, and alleged that the distribution of prizes for winners was also rigged.
This is not the first time when Republic Day celebrations have come under controversy. In 2014, the Centre rejected Telangana’s first ever Republic Day tableau which was to be presented in January 2015. This, despite Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao requesting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to consider the tableau for the parade.
The state’s officials were not even informed about the rejection in time, while the reason stated was ‘sub-standard quality of design and presentation’, reports The Times of India.
This year, Karnataka’s tableau main feature was the Goravas, worshippers of Lord Shiva, engaged in a traditional ritualistic dance. They were adorned with unique caps made of bear’s hair, and danced to the beats of drums and flutes.
(With inputs from PIB)
(Feature image source: PIB)