R-Day: President Murmu revives 250-year-old tradition as 'buggy' makes comeback after 40 years
New Delhi, Jan 26: Reviving a 250-year-old tradition on the 75th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu and her French counterpart Emmanual Macron arrived on Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy, which made a comeback after 40 years.
They were escorted by the President's Bodyguard -- "Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak". The President's Bodyguard is the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army.
This Republic Day is special for this elite regiment, with the "Angrakshak" completing 250 years of service since its raising in 1773, and for India's old tradition where Murmu let go of the modern sedan in favour of the quaint horse-drawn buggy.
"President Droupadi Murmu and the French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the Kartavya Path in the traditional buggy which made a comeback after 40 years," the Rashtrapati Bhawan said in a post on X.
The gold-plated, horse-drawn buggy is a black carriage with the national emblem embossed in gold. The buggy, drawn by a mixed breed of Indian and Austrian horses, has gold-plated rims.
The presidential buggy was in use for Republic Day functions till 1984 but was discontinued after the assassination of the-then prime minister Indira Gandhi.
The buggy was last used by Giani Zail Singh in 1984. It was discontinued due to security reasons and presidents began using limousines for travel.
It was only in 2014 when former president Pranab Mukherjee used it again for the beating retreat ceremony. His successor Ram Nath Kovind continued the tradition of riding the buggy. He inspected the Guard of Honour in the presidential buggy after taking oath in 2017.
During the British era, the buggy belonged to the Viceroy of India. After India's independence in 1947, a row erupted between India and Pakistan regarding claims over the carriage.
With no immediate solution and higher authority to decide on the row, India's then Lt Colonel Thakur Govind Sing and the Pakistan Army's Sahabzada Yaqub Khan took full responsibility for the fact that the ownership of the buggy would depend on a coin toss.
India is believed to have won the toss and the buggy has been with the country since then. The same carriage has been used by several presidents on various occasions.
Almost three decades ago, former president Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed used the buggy to reach the exit gate of the Rashtrapati Bhavan from where he took a car to attend the Republic Day ceremony.
The carriage was also used by presidents to pay homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti during Republic Day celebrations. Besides, the heads of the country used the buggy to move around in their 320-acre residential space.
The 75th Republic Day Parade showcased the nation’s extraordinary Nari Shakti as impressive march-pasts by women received standing ovation by the invitees. President Droupadi Murmu and the French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the Kartavya Path in the traditional buggy… pic.twitter.com/y2wE0VTxOu
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 26, 2024
#WATCH Live | President Droupadi Murmu and French President @EmmanuelMacron leave for the Kartavya Path, in a special 'Traditional Buggy' or the presidential carriage. #RepublicDay #EmmanuelMacron #RepublicDay2024 #75thRepublicDay pic.twitter.com/jExQl6wOo4
— DD India (@DDIndialive) January 26, 2024
After almost 40 yrs, a traditional horse-drawn buggy on Kartavaya Path!
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) January 26, 2024
President #DroupadiMurmu and French President #EmmanuelMacron depart in the buggy, accompanied by men in red uniforms on majestic horses. This practice was discontinued in 1984 makes a comeback after 40 yrs pic.twitter.com/mVq4rmMukp
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WB BJP chief urges state admin to act against violence perpetrators irrespective of party colours
Kolkata (PTI): A day after the BJP's sweeping victory in the West Bengal assembly polls, state party president Samik Bhattacharya on Tuesday urged the administration to act firmly against perpetrators of post-poll violence irrespective of political affiliation.
Addressing reporters after a meeting of the party's top leadership at its Bidhannagar office, Bhattacharya said strict action must be taken against those indulging in violence and warned that BJP workers found involved in such activities would be expelled from the party.
"Post-poll violence would not be tolerated in any form. If anyone from our party is found involved, we will be compelled to remove them," he said.
The BJP leader also appealed to Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala to ensure prompt administrative intervention wherever incidents of violence are reported.
"I would like to urge the administration to take necessary action wherever such incidents occur. This is precisely why the people of West Bengal have chosen the BJP," he said.
Bhattacharya thanked the electorate for the party's emphatic mandate and expressed gratitude to migrant workers who returned to the state to cast their votes despite logistical challenges.
According to party sources, a high-level meeting was held at the BJP's Bidhannagar office on Tuesday, attended by central observers and senior state leaders, to discuss measures to prevent violence and maintain law and order in the post-result scenario.
The discussions also focused on ensuring that there is no repeat of the violence reported after the 2021 assembly elections, when the BJP had accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of targeting its workers.
The BJP has secured 207 of the 293 seats where polls were held, securing a two-thirds majority and paving the way for its first government in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress has won 80 seats.
Bhattacharya also appealed to party workers to maintain restraint and not let the victory celebrations turn disruptive.
"I urge our workers to remain peaceful, stay happy, and fulfil the responsibilities given by the party. Do not hurt anyone in the name of celebration, and do not hurt anyone's sentiments," he said.
