Thiruvananthapuram, August 15: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan celebrated Independence Day at Central Stadium, becoming the first chief minister in a decade to preside over the state’s main ceremony, following the tenure of P. Vijayan.
Taking office after the Congress-led UDF’s victory in the April assembly elections, Satheesan hoisted the national flag to the tune of the national anthem and inspected the formal parade.
However, ‘Vande Mataram’ was notably absent from the state-level celebrations. This song was also missing from various Independence Day events organized by the government and schools across the state.
The contradiction was particularly evident near Central Stadium, where ‘Vande Mataram’ was sung as part of the Independence Day celebrations organized by the BJP-led Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. This highlighted the differing political tones of the two ceremonies held almost simultaneously in the state capital.
A similar contradiction was observed in Kozhikode, where UDF councilors participated in the national anthem while BJP members sang ‘Vande Mataram’, presenting another unique scene on Independence Day. This reflects the escalating political rivalry between the two fronts and the BJP in the state.
Satheesan’s first Independence Day speech as Chief Minister was more than just a formality. It reaffirmed the political and constitutional values that the new government claims will guide Kerala.
Paying tribute to the victims of recent disasters, Satheesan announced that his government would implement a scientific system to tackle and prevent floods, pledging assistance to the families of the affected.
Calling for Kerala to move forward by rejecting discrimination based on caste, religion, and gender, Satheesan emphasized that welfare measures are not charity but rights within a democratic framework.
He referenced Jawaharlal Nehru’s famous 1947 Independence Day message, particularly the pledge that the nation’s work is not complete as long as people suffer. Satheesan linked this message to Kerala’s current challenges, including unemployment, poverty, health crises, agricultural issues, and the struggles of marginalized communities.
In a clear reference to a recent controversy involving Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Satheesan warned against the return of caste prejudice and untouchability, noting that even a senior national leader in a constitutional position faced humiliation based on caste.
He also emphasized the importance of the youth, stating that the young people of Kerala are politically aware, capable of recognizing the events around them, and strong enough to become a reformative force for the country.
In the remaining 13 district headquarters, Satheesan’s cabinet colleagues also took part in the Independence Day parade, symbolizing the first state-wide celebrations under the new UDF government.
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