In break from tradition, CM Siddaramaiah addresses R Day parade ahead of Governor Gehlot

BENGALURU: The 77th Republic Day celebrations were held at the Manekshaw Parade Ground in the city on Monday. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot hoisted the national flag, followed by a review of the parade and a message to the state’s citizens. Across the state, district in-charge ministers unfurled the Tricolour.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived at the venue wearing a Gandhi cap. Interestingly, this year, the CM delivered the Republic Day message before the Governor’s speech in a departure from tradition.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in his message, said, “I extend my warm greetings to the people of Karnataka on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. January 26 marks the 76th anniversary of the implementation of our Constitution, which India adopted to govern itself. The Constitution aims to ensure social, economic, and political justice, freedom of thought, expression, faith, and worship, equality of status and opportunity, and fraternity among all citizens”.

“Karnataka has a proud tradition of democracy, dating back 800 years to the time of Basavanna and the Sharan movement. The Constitution, drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar, replaced an unequal and unjust social system with a modern, democratic framework. The Constitution envisions a society where every citizen has equal opportunities, regardless of their birth or social background”.

“Our government is committed to implementing the Constitution’s ideals and ensuring social and economic justice. We have launched various guarantee schemes, such as Anna Bhagya, Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti and Yuva Nidhi, to provide basic necessities like food, energy, and livelihood to the people. These schemes have helped people save money, invest in education and healthcare, and live with dignity”.

“As Chief Minister, I have made every effort to implement the Constitution’s ideals and promote social justice. I urge everyone to join me in taking a pledge to protect the Constitution and uphold its values. Let us work together to build a strong, prosperous, and equitable society. Jai Hind, Jai Karnataka, Jai Samvidhan!”, the CM said.

The Governor’s speech, which is usually a highlight of the event, focused on the government’s achievements over the past 2.5 years and the principles of the Constitution. The 30-minute speech covers 41 points across 24 pages.

In his address, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot said, “January 26 is a pivotal day in India’s history, marking the end of monarchical and colonial rule, and the establishment of democracy. It commemorates the adoption of the Constitution, which enshrines social, economic, and political justice, equality, and fraternity”.

“The Constitution, drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar, replaced an unequal and unjust system with a modern, democratic framework. It envisions a society where every citizen has equal opportunities, regardless of birth or background”.

“Karnataka has a proud tradition of democracy, dating back 800 years to the time of Basavanna and the Sharan movement. The state government is committed to implementing the Constitution’s ideals and ensuring social and economic justice”.

“The government has launched various schemes, such as Anna Bhagya, Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti, and Yuva Nidhi, to provide basic necessities like food, energy, and livelihood to the people. These schemes have helped people save money, invest in education and healthcare, and live with dignity”.

“The Chief Minister has made efforts to implement the Constitution’s ideals and promote social justice. He urges everyone to join him in taking a pledge to protect the Constitution and uphold its values”, the governor noted.

Some key initiatives of the Karnataka government include:

Providing economic empowerment to marginalized communities

Implementing guarantee schemes for basic necessities like food, energy, and livelihood.

Promoting education and healthcare.

Ensuring social and economic justice.

Protecting the rights of farmers and labourers.

Promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation.

“The government is committed to working towards a strong, prosperous, and equitable society, as envisioned by the Constitution”, the governor noted.

The parade featured various contingents, including a Tamil Nadu police team. The event concluded with a cultural programme and the singing of the national anthem. Public TV had earlier reported that there might a break in the parade tradition and it seems they did!

Meanwhile, there was a mix-up with the welcome board, which read BBMP instead of GBA (Greater Bengaluru Authority).