New Delhi [India], January 26 : Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Monday extended greetings on the 77th Republic Day and emphasised that India must be governed based on its Constitution, not caste or religion.
He reaffirmed his government's commitment to strictly adhering to the Constitution, stressing that India's diverse population, comprising different castes, religions, and faiths, must be respected and united under its supreme law.
Speaking to the reporters in the national capital, Paswan said, "On behalf of my party, I extend my best wishes to everyone on Republic Day. Today is the day when we need to reiterate our resolve that this country will not be run on the basis of caste or religion; this country will be run solely on the basis of the Constitution."
"My government is fully committed to strictly adhering to the Constitution. In our country, people of different castes, religions, and faiths live together, and respecting their sentiments, I want to assure you again today that we all together should resolve that the Constitution is supreme," he said.
India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day, as the nation comes together to mark the adoption of the Constitution and showcase its rich cultural and military heritage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial at the historical India Gate.
Present alongside the PM were the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Chief of Defence Services General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal APS Singh and the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi.
President Droupadi Murmu presided over the grand celebrations on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also attended as the Chief Guests.
Further, police and paramilitary contingents marched along Kartavya Path as part of the ceremonial parade in the national capital, highlighting the role of central forces in internal security and border management.
The formation was led by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Brass Band, commanded by Inspector Shamsher Lal. The band, comprising 100 personnel, played "Desh Ke Hum Hain Rakshak". It was followed by the CRPF marching contingent, which, for the first time, was led by Women Assistant Commandants Simran Bala and Surabhi Ravi, with 248 personnel taking part.