As per protocol former CMs are not invited, however, special invitation can be extended “on demand”, says BJP

The chief ministerial candidate of the AAP and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said he has not been invited to attend the Republic Day parade, where the U.S. President Barack Obama will be the chief guest.

The AAP leader said he has not been invited, though he wants to attend the celebrations.

Mr. Kejriwal said: “I am not invited to attend the Republic Day celebrations, I don’t know why I wasn’t invited. Though I want to attend.”

Meanwhile, the BJP said as per the protocol former Chief Ministers are not invited to attend the Republic Day parade, however, “on demand” special invitation can be extended.

BJP spokesperson G.V.L. Narsimha Rao 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 gets 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.

The national capital will turn into a virtual fortress ahead of Obama’s arrival 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 January 25, 2015, the day Mr. Obama arrives in Delhi and the number will almost double the next day, Delhi Police have said.

Kejriwal disappointed