Faith in Constitution essential to uphold diversity: Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in Republic Day speech

Bengaluru: Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Sunday reiterated that faith in the Constitution and cooperative federalism is integral to uphold the diversity of the country.

He was speaking at the 76th Republic Day celebrations held at the Manekshaw Parade Ground.

“Seventy-six years ago, on this day, we Indians started a new era of people’s rule by putting an end to monarchy and colonial rule. Through the Constitution, we gave a befitting farewell to the rules advocating discrimination and entered a humane era where everyone is equal before law,” he stated.

Gehlot said Karnataka had raised its voice whenever the tenets of federalism as enshrined in the Constitution were compromised.

“Our Constitution has shaped the history of this country and will shape its future. Therefore, we need to make people aware that if we protect the Constitution, the Constitution will protect us,” he added.

Underlining that the Constitution declares India as a union of states, dividing sovereign power between the union and the states, he said that Karnataka was striving to strengthen the most important ideals of social and economic justice laid down in the Constitution.

“The state has falsified the pessimistic prediction that the five guarantee schemes introduced by the Karnataka government will result in financial crisis and stunt development. But Karnataka has earned the distinction of being one of the best developing states in the country, while simultaneously achieving economic growth and social justice,” Gehlot said.

“The architects of our Constitution gave us the administrative system for this diverse country by adopting the principles of power-sharing. It was the dream of our Constitution makers to build strong states and thereby a strong India, hence it’s our common responsibility to uphold our union,” the Governor said.

Speaking about jobs in the education sector, he said over 13,000 posts had been filled in the last one and a half years.

Gehlot said that a 450-bed hospital was constructed on the premises of Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences last year at a cost of Rs 142.40 crore. A trauma care hospital is established at the Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi, at a cost of Rs 54.80 crore. Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology and Research Institute also at Kalaburagi has been constructed at a cost of Rs 304.20 crore, he added.

Speaking about road infrastructure, he said, improvement and renewal of 2,491 km of state highways and 3,103 km of major district roads have been completed during 2024-25. “One hundred and ninety bridges have also been constructed,” Gehlot said.

Referring to Bangalore Metro Rail project, the Governor said that the work was in progress on Phase 2A - 19.75-KM stretch from Central Silk Board to KR Pura, and 38.44-KM Phase 2B from KR Pura to Kempegowda International Airport at an estimated cost of Rs 14,788 crore.

Under Phase 3, Corridor 1 will extend from Kempapura to JP Nagar 4th Phase (32.15 km) and Corridor 2 from Hosahalli to Kadabagere (12.5 km), totaling 44.65 km, at an estimated cost of Rs 15,611 crore. The project is planned to be completed by December 2029, he said.

Gehlot said Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, was recognised as a global technology hub, housing over 875 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) units, with more than 30 per cent of India’s GCCs located in this city.

To further capitalise on this ecosystem, the Karnataka government has introduced the Karnataka Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2024-29, he added.