When Mulayam Singh Yadav Saved UP’s Republic Day Tableau in 1988: The Untold Story

On 22 November, the birth anniversary of Samajwadi Party founder and former UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav is celebrated. Mulayam Singh, born in Saifai, is known as the son of the soil because he has always been a grassroots leader. There are many interesting incidents in his political journey, one of which is the incident of 1988 that people still remember.

What was the controversy over UP tableau in 1988?

In 1988, Mulayam Singh Yadav was the Defense Minister at the Center. At the same time, there was Kalyan Singh's BJP government in UP. The tableaux of the states were selected on Republic Day, and the selection was done entirely with the approval of the Defense Ministry. That year, UP had prepared a tableau on the theme of “Festival of Faith—Kumbh,” in which sages, saints, and religious backgrounds were given prominence.

What was the reason that UP's tableau was rejected at the last moment?

According to the information, the expert committee of the Defense Ministry rejected the tableau of UP in the last phase. It was believed that the cutouts of saints and religious elements did not match the 'secular' image of the United Front government. The official reason was not given clearly, but the rejection disappointed UP information department officials.

How did Mulayam Singh Yadav come to know about the rejection of Jhanki?

The inspection visit of the Defense Minister was scheduled. The UP team was busy removing the model of the tableau. Just then Mulayam Singh reached there. His eyes fell directly on a senior UP official, whom he recognized from his tenure as CM. He asked, “What are you doing here?”

What did the officer say to Mulayam Singh?

The official said that they had brought a Kumbh-themed tableau of UP, but the tableau was rejected. The officer said very politely, “Sir, it is a question of the prestige of UP. The tableau has been made with a lot of hard work.”

What question did Mulayam ask the Defense Secretary?

When the Defense Secretary said that only sages and saints were shown in the tableau, hence the committee did not approve, Mulayam Singh Yadav gave a strong reply—"What “will be seen if the saints and sages are not seen in the Kumbh tableau?”

Did Mulayam Singh get the tableau approved?

Mulayam Singh directed the Defense Secretary to immediately put the tableau of UP in the line of selected tableaux. The order was immediately followed, and UP's tableau was not only included but also won the award.

Why is this incident remembered?

This incident shows how Mulayam Singh Yadav was a grassroots leader and the reputation of UP was always a priority for him. This is considered a strong example of his interventionist ability and administrative tenacity.