Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 26: In his Republic Day message to the people of Karnataka on the occasion of 69th Republic Day celebration, which was aired by Akashvani-Doordarshan, chief minister (CM) Siddaramaiah said that participation in parliamentary democracy by people having doubts about their Constitution is tantamount to disgracing the Constitution.

Starting his address with Republic Day greetings, the CM pointed out that January 26 happens to be the day on which a vow was taken to build the nation on the basis of freedom, equality, brotherhood and secular values. "Our government is always committed to these basic motives," he asserted.

Siddaramaiah said that India got freedom not as a gift from the British parliament but because it expressed itself to be so. He recollected that Mahatma Gandhi had predicted before independence that Indians would get what they want out of sacrifice of blood of its people. He described that the treasure of freedom got embodied in the lives of people of the country through the Constitution created by Dr B R Ambedkar.

"National movement ignited the fire of patriotism and awareness about our country in us. Mahatma Gandhi and Indian National Congress under his leadership took up the responsibility of realizing this dream. On account of our Constitution and democracy based on it, democratic values have got entrenched deeply on account of this national movement," he stated.

Siddaramaiah said that ensuring social, and political justice and freedom to all citizens through cogitation, expression, thought and prayers, and kindling a sense of brotherhood among all the citizens are the basic intent of the Constitution. "The advice of Dr V R Ambedkar that political power is the master key that can open up doors of development, also happens to be the stand I believe in my political life," he said. The CM felt that it is the duty of everyone to remember Dr B R Ambedkar who gifted a model Constitution to us, and to condemn the recent demand for ammending it.

"Those who participate in democratic system need to inculcate respect and faith in the intent of the Constitution, and commitment to its principles. Forces other than those which have faith in Constitution have no place in democratic set up," he stated. He recalled that at the time of adopting Constitution on January 26, 1950, Dr Ambedkar had warned that inequality will continue in social and financial forms and that if it continues to happen, exploited classes affected by inequality might demolish the structure of democracy. Towards achieving equality through democracy, he called for destroying differences on the basis of caste, and the divide between upper and lower classes of the society.

Siddaramaiah asserted that it would not be possible to build the nation through religious nationalism as it is harmful for the democracy that advocates multi-religious, multi-linguistic and multi-cultural existence. "Politics, religion, and caste cannot develop our country. Scientific progress, development of technology and rational thinking can take us forward," he opined.