File Photo of former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. (Press Trust of India)
The Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal today said that he has not been invited to attend the Republic Day parade on January 26, where the US President Barack Obama will be the chief guest.
However, he added that he wants to attend the celebrations. "I am not invited to attend the Republic Day celebrations, I don't know why I wasn't invited. Though I want to attend," he said.
Meanwhile, the BJP has said that as per the protocol former chief ministers are not invited to attend the Republic Day parade, however, "on demand" special invitation can be extended.
GVL. Narsimha Rao, the BJP spokesperson said: "Ministry of Defence gives invitation to attend Republic Day celebrations and I sought clarification from the ministry on the issue. As per the protocol, from Delhi only LG (lieutenant governor) and current chief minister or acting chief minister get invitation."
"There is no protocol to invite former chief minister. If any former chief minister wants to attend the function, he/she can get special invitation on demand. But I clarify again, there is no protocol to invite former chief ministers," Mr Rao added.
India's national capital will turn into a virtual fortress ahead of President Obama's arrival in New Delhi on Sunday, with over 45,000 security personnel guarding roads and 15,000 CCTV cameras keeping a hawk's eye on various areas.
Around 20,000 personnel will be deployed on specific locations from Jan 25, the day President Obama arrives in Delhi and the number will almost double the next day, Delhi Police has said.