Time for movement to fight divisive forces: Siddaramiah

Bengaluru, Aug 15: Terming as "shameful" recent incidents of atrocities on Dalits, minorities and women in the country, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said a movement akin to the freedom struggle needed to be launched to fight divisive forces.

Delivering his Independence Day speech at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground here after unfurling the national flag, he said a nation was best built with love, mutual co-operation and amity, and not by mutual hatredness and ill-will.

"In recent times, the country has witnessed certain inhuman incidents, such as atrocities on Dalits, minorities and women which have made every right-thinking Indian to hang his head in shame and question the very existence of civilised society," he said.

Siddaramaiah said: "Time has indeed come when we need to launch a movement akin to the freedom struggle to fight against divisive forces, he said adding that it is also the time, when we need to sustain our efforts to remove poverty, illiteracy, superstitions, casteism and communalism which are plaguing our onward march towards progress and prosperity."

Patriotism, in its truest sense, was respecting the freedom of others to follow the practices of their choice. "Patriotism cannot be reduced to mere sloganeering. Patriotism is ushering in an equitable society through the ideals enunciated in the Constitution of India," he said.

He said the concept of freedom was neither shallow nor narrow and it was not merely limited to any particular field, let alone politics.

"Freedom exists in the use of language, observance of cultural and traditional practices including dress and eating habits," he added.

Stating that the result of his government's 'sincere efforts' during the last three years was before the people to be seen, the Chief Minister said it was a matter of "immense pride" that through the four budgets presented, his government had been able to fulfill nearly three-fourths of the promises made by the Congress in its election manifesto.

Siddaramaiah also reviewed the parade and took salute from different contingents during the march past as part of the 70th Independence Day celebrations.