Constitutional Values Being Questioned in Country, Be Vigilant: Kerala CM

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Saturday said the country is witnessing a dangerous situation in which constitutional values are being questioned, and called upon people to remain vigilant to protect the Constitution and democratic rights.Satheesan hoisted the national flag at the Independence Day celebrations held at the Central Stadium here.

Vande Mataram was not sung despite the Union government's direction to sing the national song.

As the national flag was hoisted, flowers were showered from an Indian Air Force helicopter.

Satheesan reviewed the various platoons and received the salute from the marching contingents of the Kerala Police, Andhra Pradesh Police, Indian Reserve Battalion, Kerala Excise, Kerala Motor Vehicle Department, Kerala Forest Department, Fire and Rescue Services, Prison Department, Rapid Response and Rescue Force, Sainik School, NCC, NSS, Bharat Scouts and Guides, and Student Police Cadets.

IPS officer O Aparna led the parade.

Chief Minister began his address by remembering those who lost their lives in recent landslides and floods in the state.

"The government will stand firmly by those families. As always, united as one, we will overcome any crisis. The government is devising a scientific system to face flood disasters. With everyone's support, we will implement it," he said.

Satheesan said the country was witnessing a dangerous situation in which constitutional values such as secularism, equality, freedom of expression and freedom of action, as well as special consideration for minorities and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, were being questioned.

Without naming AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, he referred to the humiliation of a senior national leader who had held constitutional positions several times during a lifetime in politics.

Satheesan said such incidents sent a disturbing message to the country.

"Our country has moved far ahead from those days. We must not return to that dark era. If such attempts are made, it is our duty and responsibility to oppose them tooth and nail," he said.

He called upon people to remain vigilant and work to protect the Constitution and its principles of secularism, equality, freedom, socialism and democratic rights, as well as the unity and integrity of India.

Satheesan said the ideals and methods advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, B R Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad had assumed greater importance in the present period.

"The issues being raised by young people across the country are an example of this. Ignoring them would be an unforgivable mistake. Our youth are not without political awareness. They see, hear and understand everything. They have the strength to become a force for correction and to lead the country with clarity in the future," he said.

Recalling Jawaharlal Nehru's Independence Day speech in 1947, Satheesan said the first Prime Minister had emphasised that the days ahead would be a period of continuous effort and that serving India meant working for millions of people suffering from hunger, illiteracy, disease and inequality.

"On this Independence Day, we too must take a pledge for a new-era Kerala. A Kerala imbued with compassion, willingness to serve and tolerance is what must emerge. Let our journey forward be powered by development-oriented initiatives, constitutional values, hard work upholding secularism, and by embracing both the new generation and senior citizens," he said.

Satheesan said poverty, disease and unemployment were the three factors that held any society back and noted that these problems still persisted in Kerala and the country even after 79 years of independence.

People belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, senior citizens, minorities, transgender persons and other vulnerable sections continue to face numerous problems, crises and insecurity, he said.

"Children and young people are in the midst of a host of serious problems, from the conduct of examinations to the shortage of employment opportunities. Farmers, workers and coastal communities also face numerous challenges. As long as these problems remain, how can we rest?" he asked.

He called for a careful analysis of problems, a focus on the future and greater engagement with the younger generation.

"Democracy is a continuous dialogue. Opposition, questioning, open dialogue and correction revitalise democracy. Democracy is not about growing one kind of human being in a monoculture plantation, nurturing one language, one belief and one lifestyle, or creating islands of hatred and dark corners of communalism that fear every difference," he said.

Calling for a strong democracy based on openness, tolerance, dialogue, correction and renewal, Satheesan said protecting it would be the greatest tribute to freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

Satheesan said welfare measures in a democracy were not anyone's charity but a right.

He said the welfare of senior citizens and protection for all sections requiring special consideration were important, while opportunities must be created for the younger generation to study, work and stand on their own feet with dignity.

"Addiction is a great disaster and must be eradicated. Peace and security must prevail in the state. Public education and public healthcare must improve," Satheesan said, adding that these are among the priorities of his government.

Satheesan also distributed various police medals and bravery awards during the function.