Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Stresses Protecting Constitution and Democracy on International Day
In a powerful speech at the International Day of Democracy event in Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged every citizen to step up and protect the Indian Constitution. He made these remarks on Monday at the Banquet Hall of Vidhana Soudha, during a celebration organized by the State Social Welfare Department.
Siddaramaiah highlighted that safeguarding democracy is key to keeping the country’s people safe. He called on everyone to fight against electoral fraud and ensure fair voting. "The slogan for today’s Democracy Day is ‘My Vote, My Right’," he said. "But some vested interests are trying to weaken this power. Back in the day, only the rich had a say, but now every citizen—rich or poor—gets equal voting rights."
Drawing from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s famous words, "One Person, One Vote, One Value," the CM warned that forces are conspiring to undermine the Constitution. "We can’t let that happen. Protecting the Constitution is everyone’s duty, and we must do it with full commitment," he emphasized. He added that democracy ensures equality across castes and religions, and those trying to weaken it are just reactionaries holding onto old inequalities.
To spread awareness about constitutional values, the Karnataka government has started a program to read the Preamble of the Constitution in all schools. "Every citizen needs to understand the Constitution," Siddaramaiah said. "Without this knowledge, people become easy targets for misuse."
DK Shivakumar Highlights Power of the Vote and Youth Leadership
Joining the CM at the Vidhana Soudha event, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar echoed the importance of democratic values. He explained that the ‘My Vote, My Right’ campaign aims to educate youth and students on democracy and build their leadership skills.
"Ballot is stronger than the bullet," Shivakumar declared. "That’s why kings are out of power today, and elected leaders like CM Siddaramaiah and I are running things. India is the world’s largest democracy, and its roots go back 900 years to Lord Basavanna’s Anubhava Mantapa, which promoted equality for all."
In today’s competitive world, he stressed teaching leadership to the young. "In politics, 49% is nothing, but 51% wins it all. Our youth must learn this." To drive the point home, Shivakumar shared a story about late Congress MP Dhruvanarayan, who won an election by just one vote because his opponent’s driver missed voting due to a delay. "Every single vote counts in democracy," he said.
Shivakumar also recalled the historic debate in Parliament on lowering the voting age from 21 to 18. When opposition criticized late PM Rajiv Gandhi for giving rights to "playing kids," Gandhi fired back: "If we trust 18-year-olds with rifles at the border, why not with votes? I believe in the power of youth."
He wrapped up by naming the four pillars of democracy—judiciary, legislature, executive, and media—and noted how they keep things in check. "Yet, some still try to steal votes. Rahul Gandhi is leading the charge against this electoral fraud," Shivakumar added.
The event in Bengaluru served as a strong reminder of why democracy, voting rights, and constitutional protection matter for India’s future.
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