Odisha’s Republic Day tableau has been rejected for the second year in a row by the Union Defence Ministry. The state had proposed a tableau focusing on the Paika Rebellion of 1817, which was a significant event in Odisha's history against the British. Despite initial interest from the selection committee, the tableau was rejected in the third round.
The rejection has sparked criticism, with Odisha’s Rajya Sabha MP, Amar Patnaik, expressing his disappointment. He emphasized that the Paika Rebellion is a matter of pride for all Indians, as it occurred 40 years before the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny, which is often called the First War of Independence.
This year, Odisha sent five proposals, including the Paika Rebellion and topics related to hockey and local leaders like Chakhi Khuntia and Jayi Rajguru. However, only 21 out of 56 proposals received were shortlisted for the 2022 Republic Day parade.