NEW DELHI: The countdown to India's 75th Republic Day, slated for January 26, 2024, has commenced with rehearsals taking off today. This historic parade is set to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron as the esteemed chief guest.

Amidst the dense fog and wintry weather, security forces conducted rehearsal exercises this morning near India Gate and Kartavya Path. These drills, part of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations, aimed to ensure readiness and enhance security measures. Delhi Police and other security agencies orchestrated mock drills not only at crucial installations but also in bustling market areas to raise public awareness and reinforce anti-terrorism protocols.

Highlighting the preparations, the Delhi Police's East District carried out a comprehensive mock drill at V3S Mall Nirman Vihar. This preparation involved multiple teams, including the Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Traffic Police, Bomb Squad, Dog Squad, Cats Ambulance, and SWAT Commandos, to bolster security measures.

Republic Day holds immense significance, marking the nation's transition to becoming an independent republic after the Constitution's enactment.

However, amidst the excitement, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj expressed discontent on Friday, accusing the BJP-led central government of repeatedly rejecting Delhi and Punjab's tableaux for the parade. Bharadwaj cited this as an act of reprisal against the AAP. He mentioned that Delhi's tableau, representing the capital, faced rejection for the third consecutive year. The last time Delhi's tableau was showcased was in 2021, featuring the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project. This year, Delhi sought to spotlight its schools and the Mohalla Clinic model.

Meanwhile, Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Sunil Jakhar weighed in on the controversy, attributing the tableau's rejection to images of Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann featured within. Jakhar emphasized that the Republic Day parade should not serve as a platform for self-promotion or advertising.

The preparations for the 75th Republic Day continue with fervor despite the tableau-related disagreements, as the nation gears up to celebrate this significant milestone.

French President Macron to be the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day Fest