Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 26: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, celebrating Republic Day, praised India’s rapid development and emphasized that the nation is advancing strongly on the foundation of its Constitution. Speaking at the main Republic Day event at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ground in Dadar, he said the country’s democratic values are propelling it toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra’s recent achievements at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where the state signed investment agreements worth Rs 30 lakh crore, strengthening its position as a major contributor to India’s economic growth. “India is progressing rapidly on the strength of its Constitution and democratic values, and the MoUs signed at Davos will reinforce Maharashtra’s role as the backbone of the country’s economy,” he said.
After unfurling the national flag, the CM reaffirmed that Maharashtra will continue to move forward dynamically, guided by the principles enshrined in the Constitution. He paid tribute to Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the members of the Constituent Assembly for framing the Constitution, noting that the values of freedom, equality, and brotherhood are deeply embedded in Indian culture and governance. Fadnavis also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for positioning India as a significant global power, attributing this rise to the democratic framework provided by the Constitution.
On the issue of employment and regional development, Fadnavis said that investments and job creation are spreading across Maharashtra, benefiting Vidarbha, Marathwada, North Maharashtra, Western Maharashtra, Konkan, and Mumbai. He stressed the state government’s support for farmers, including river-linking projects aimed at making Maharashtra drought-free, and highlighted major infrastructure initiatives such as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region developments, the Samruddhi Motorway, and the Shaktipeeth Motorway, which are driving the state’s growth.
Fadnavis also spotlighted social welfare programs, including the construction of 30 lakh rural houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Maharashtra’s top ranking in solar-powered farm feeders and pumps, and initiatives like the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme and free electricity for farmers, which aim to ensure inclusive development.
The Republic Day celebrations featured a grand parade with contingents from the Indian Navy, Maharashtra Police, State Reserve Police Force, Mumbai Police, home guards, fire brigade, NCC, NSS, scouts, and school students, led by Navy commander Pankaj Baghel.