For first time, a PM to miss R-day celebrations

NEW DELHI: It will be perhaps the first time since India became a Republic that the Prime Minister will miss the Republic Day celebrations.

When the nation celebrates the 59th Republic Day on Monday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be recuperating from a bypass surgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

The Prime Minister traditionally goes to Amar Jawan Jyoti, the martyrs memorial at India Gate, before the start of Republic Day parade every year to place a wreath.

He also receives the President at the Republic Day parade.

Prior to the Republic Day, the Prime Minister also gives away Bravery Awards. In the Prime Minister's absence, the conferments were done by Vice President Hamid Ansari.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee is expected to discharge the duties of the Prime Minister during Singh's absence from office. Mukherjee has already been asked to look after Finance portfolio, which is with the Prime Minister, till Singh recovers.

These duties include representing India at delegation-level talks with foreign leaders.

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who arrived here today, will be the first among them whom Mukherjee will brief while leading an Indian delegation at the talks with the leader tomorrow.

As a result of the Prime Minister's indisposition, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has put off his visit to India next week.

Rudd was scheduled to arrive here on January 28 to discuss security matters in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks.