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"The Defence Minister will lay a wreath at India Gate before the Republic Day parade begins and step in for the Prime Minister in all functions related to the Republic Day." Defence Ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said in New Delhi.
In the absence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who is indisposed, Antony will also receive President Pratibha Patil and Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who is the Chief Guest for this year's celebrations, at Rajpath.
He will also preside over the annual NCC rally on January 28. Traditionally, the Prime Minister presides over the parade.
Antony will also host the tea party for the cadres and tableau artists at Teen Murti Bhawan in the evening. Since the Republic Day events are Defence Ministry functions, it is normal for the Defence Minister to perform the role in the absence of the Prime Minister, Kar explained.
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I am a Malaysian Indian, I wish the Indian Prime Minister to get well soon and I offer my prayers for his speedy recovery.
Dividing the PM's work between Pranab and Antony only shows Sonia's deep distrus on Pranab.All donkeys jobs are given to him and taken a trusted Christian to do all other things.That is Sonia's secularism.
I wish Antony become PM soon. He is a great leader and has all blessings from UPA Chairperson Mrs. Gandhi. He is the only person who can change and convert our country. He has been an excellent defence minister so far. Minorities can also feel safe as was the case of Mr. Manmohan Singh he was also a minority leader.
Cry India.We dont have anybody else in the Indian cabinet other than Antony to perform PM's duties during R Day.He has only one qualification. The most inefficient Defence Minister of recent times. Pranab, Chithambaram, Pawar or even Lallu would hasve been a better choice.
Shri A.K.Antony has got most of his public recognition by default. When Karunakaran resigned , Antony twice became the Chief Minister, when Karunakaran resigned from Rajya Sabha, he filled-in the vacancy and then became a cabinet minister when Natwar Singh resigned. Now this opportunity to preside over Republic Day functions. It goes to say, politicians should know how to swim with the tide and be loyal to their masters.
There's a saying "Good things happen to those who do good." Antony has never been a great politician, but a man who lives with strong ideals and in a manner that he feels helps the people of India. He may not be a flashy personality but he is a man who tries to keep a clear conscience. India needs people like him.