The model of the tableau submitted by the Bihar government for presentation during the coming Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi failed to obtain the nod of the Defence Ministry, which is acting as the nodal agency of the Day's functions.
Stating this at an informal chat with mediapersons in Patna on Thursday, Bihar Information Minister Arjun Rai alleged that the refusal reflected the 'anti-Bihar mindset' of the united Progressive Alliance government.
"The state government had sent a proposal and model of the tableau to the defence ministry depicting the Chhath festival, which is widely celebrated in Bihar with reverence and gaiety," he said, adding, "The gesture tentamounted to disrespect to culture and heritage and would impend promotion of a cohesive society."
Rai said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had agreed to take up the matter with the concerned ministry at the centre.
Meanwhile, the minister announced that an information centre, with all sophisticated equipment, will be set up in Patna at a cost of Rs 1.2 crore for the benefit of scribes and other interested persons.
