Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged the people to stand up against the divisive and destructive forces that aim to break the society under the guise of unity.
Addressing the grand initiatives of Vidhan Sodha while inaugurating a historic Human Chain Movement on the occasion of International Democracy Day, the Chief Minister called for celebrating the pluralism enshrined by the Constitution in everyday life.
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He stressed the need to thwart the conspiracies of divisive forces and strengthen democracy.
Siddaramaiah highlights that India had a form of democracy and parliamentary system during the Buddha and Basavana eras, with the “Anubhava Mantapa” symbolizing early democratic institutions.
Referring to Dr. BR Ambedkar's speech on November 25, 1949, the Chief Minister noted that true political freedom has meaning only when there is economic and social democracy. He added that as long as there is inequality in India, political freedom will have no value.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of the values enshrined in the preamble of the Constitution. He mentioned that efforts are on to teach and promote these values in schools and colleges across Karnataka.
Siddaramaiah also emphasized on Karnataka and India where peace and equality flourish and discrimination has no place. He argued that unless the inequality in the society is eradicated, the freedom achieved by the country will remain incomplete.
He emphasized that the government is working towards equality by implementing programs to empower the poor and middle class belonging to all castes and religions.
The Chief Minister condemned the divisive forces that misuse the concept of unity and are enemies of social justice and equality. He urged to stand strong against these forces to ensure the rights and opportunities of women, dalits and backward classes.
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He specifically targeted the NDA, accusing them of being anti-poor and middle-class and obstructing pro-poor programmes.
The CM said that the formation of human chain with more than 2 million participants sends a clear message to the forces of destruction and aims to strengthen the unity of humanity.
The event also saw the participation of ambassadors of democracy such as Harikala Hijaba, sanitation workers Nagalakshmi and Manjula, transgender activist Priyanka, and two specially-abled students, who stood with the Chief Minister to symbolize the spirit of Democracy Day.
The event was presided over by MLA Rizwan Arshad, and among those present were Biswaraj Horati, Rudrappa Lamani, Ministers HC Mahadevappa, Priyank Kharge, KJ George, Dinesh Gundu Rao, and several other dignitaries.