Hyderabad, Jan 26 (Reporter) Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G Kishan Reddy emphasised the significance of this year’s Republic Day, marking it as special for the nation as it follows the completion of 75 years of independence. Speaking after hoisting the national flag at the BJP state headquarters in Nampally, Reddy called upon citizens to honour the legacy of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. Reddy highlighted the BJP’s decade-long governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he claimed embodies Ambedkar’s vision of democracy and inclusivity. He criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for what he described as superficial engagement with the Constitution, asserting that the Congress party has a history of undermining constitutional principles and civil rights since the Nehru era. Recalling the Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi after the Allahabad High Court declared her election invalid, Reddy accused the Congress of violating democratic principles. He noted that during the Emergency, civil rights were curtailed, press freedom was suppressed, and political leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani, and others were unjustly imprisoned under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). The BJP leader also pointed to the “Samvidhan Gaurav Abhiyan,” an initiative to honour and promote awareness of the Constitution. He emphasised India’s status as the “Mother of Democracy,” contrasting it with the challenges faced by neighbouring countries in implementing civil rights. Reddy stated that the people’s mandate in 1977, which led to the Congress Party’s defeat, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to democracy. Reddy took the opportunity to highlight the Modi government’s efforts to uphold constitutional values, including the removal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, which he described as implementing Ambedkar’s Constitution in its entirety. He also mentioned the introduction of a constitutional Backward Classes (BC) Commission and the provision of 33 percent reservation for women in legislatures as evidence of the government’s focus on equality and justice. The Union Minister accused the Congress of failing to respect Ambedkar’s vision in Telangana, alleging that its promises of guarantees have deceived the people. He credited the Modi government with initiatives benefiting rural areas, including providing toilets, cooking gas connections, and affordable agricultural support, emphasizing that these measures were not for electoral gains but for the nation’s progress toward becoming a developed country by 2047. Reddy also highlighted the development of five significant sites associated with Ambedkar’s life, referred to as “Ambedkar Panchatirthas,” including his birthplace in Mhow, Shikshabhyas Bhoomi, Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai, Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, and his residence on Alipur Road in Delhi. These sites, Reddy said, stand as tributes to Ambedkar’s enduring legacy and draw visitors from across the globe. Reddy called on every individual in Telangana to embrace Ambedkar’s ideals and work collectively to advance the state and the nation. He reiterated the BJP’s commitment to Ambedkar’s principles of justice, equality, and democracy, urging the people to stand firm against criticisms and challenges, and to take the message of the Constitution to every household...////...