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UT adviser Vijay Dev cancels Republic Day ‘At Home’
In an unprecedented move, UT advisor Vijay Dev has cancelled Republic Day ‘At Home’ for officials and other dignitaries at the UT Guest House. This is the first time that the event has been cancelled in the past over three decades.
In an unprecedented move, UT advisor Vijay Dev has cancelled Republic Day ‘At Home’ for officials and other dignitaries at the UT Guest House. This is the first time that the event has been cancelled in the past over three decades.
Sources say the cancellation is the result of differences emerging between the adviser and UT administrator Kaptan Singh Solanki.
When contacted, the UT adviser said: “As the governor is hoisting the National Flag on Republic Day, At home will also be held at Raj Bhavan only.”
As per the past practice, “At home” is organised on both Independence Day and Republic Day at the UT Guest House by the UT adviser in the afternoon. The governor hosts “At home” in the evening. UT hospitality department, which had sent invites to 500 dignitaries, sent regret messages to all invitees on Friday.
Director (hospitality) Kashish Mittal said: “The event has been cancelled as we got directions from the adviser’s office. However, no reason has been given for the cancellation.” Former UT adviser Pardeep Mehra said: “The event has never been cancelled during my tenure.”
Chandigarh Congress chief Pardeep Chhabra said: “At Home is a platform where officials and other dignitaries celebrate the Republic Day. It is unfortunate that the UT adviser has discontinued the tradition.”
