Sunday, January 9 2005 16:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Both the Government and the Opposition today (Jan 9, 2005) appeared unanimous on not scaling down the Republic Day celebrations on account of the death and devastation caused by the December 26 tsunami.

"It is not correct to say any political party suggested any scaling down of the Republic Day celebrations. This is an observance of national day and achievements of the nation and not associated with festivities," Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters in New Delhi after an all party meeting convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

He said January 26 was a historic day in the country's freedom struggle and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had said in 1930 that it would be celebrated as Independence Day. It was done so from 1931 to 1947, he said.

BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) spokesperson Sushma Swaraj said the January 26 celebrations did not figure in the all-arty meeting.

She, however, said BJP was of the view that there was no need to tone down the Republic Day parade. "It has nothing to do with festivities. It demonstrates the nation's strength and capacity. It would only serve to boost the morale of the people," she said.