Chief Minister Siddaramaiah delivered a politically loaded Republic Day message to the State on Friday, articulating a “Karnataka Model of Development” and criticising forces trying to take the country down the route of “religious nationalism”. He also obliquely hit out at Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde for his recent “changing Constitution” remarks.
“Recently there have been demands for changing our Constitution. All democrats should condemn this with a united voice. I will also join this condemnation,” he said, adding “Participating in parliamentary democracy and holding differences with our Constitution is not only disrespect for the Constitution but also adverse to our democracy.” Mr. Hegde had recently said BJP was in power to change the Constitution and he had to later apologise for his remarks in the Lok Sabha.
Positioning himself as a constitutionalist, Siddaramaiah declared in his speech that Constitution was his dharma and realising its ideals his ‘rajadharma.’
The Chief Minister also came down heavily on “growing intolerance in the country”. “It is impossible to build this country on the principles of religious nationalism. Debate over growing intolerance has taken centre stage and has been opposed by every individual trying to build the nation as per the ideals of democracy and our Constitution. But these voices are being silenced. The move to denigrate, abuse and humiliate them is not a democratic way,” he said.
Governor Vajubhai Rudhabhai Vala also voiced similar sentiments in his Republic Day speech, after he hoisted the tricolour at Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Grounds in the city on Friday. “We have to establish peace and harmony amongst all, giving the message ‘unity in diversity’ to the whole world and we should strive for consolidation and solidarity,” he said. The remarks by the Chief Minister and Governor come in the wake of recent communal tension in coastal Karnataka.
Mr. Siddaramaiah also articulated a “Karnataka Model of Development” in his Republic Day address, which he linked to B.R. Ambedkar's appeal to work towards socio-economic equality of downtrodden masses, as political equality without socio-economic equality was a paradox and may be rendered meaningless. “We have provided the basic necessities – food, health, education, housing and employment – through various Bhagya schemes. We have created an environment where any person can live fearlessly with dignity and respect. Agriculture income has increased, industry has seen progress and there are jobs available. We have brought policies that ensure the equal distribution of wealth, power and opportunity. I proudly say this is Karnataka Model of Development,” he said.
