The true “symbol of patriotism” is to protect the values of equality — economic, social and political, ingrained in our Constitution, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said in a video address on the occassion of 74th Republic Day.
“The Constitution promises equal rights to all Indians to utilise our hard-earned freedom well. Along with these rights, the Constitution guarantees justice for all- social, economic and political. These are the fundamental values on which the Constitution is standing and today these very values are facing a threat,” Mr. Yechury said.
Elaborating further, he said that in the last 7-8 years economic disparity has increased, with the rich getting richer and poor getting poorer. “Not only economic equality, social equality is also endangered. The minorities are under severe attack. Equality also means social justice, today, our Dalits, Adivasis, women are facing increased discrimination,” he added.
The promises, that we (Indians) made to ourselves in the form of the Constitution, Mr. Yechury said, are being ignored. “Today, we must all rise to defend our Constitution and that alone is the true symbol of patriotism,” Mr. Yechury concluded.
