In a significant political event marking Republic Day celebrations, Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav hoisted the national flag at the party headquarters in Lucknow on Monday. The ceremony was imbued with a strong message of constitutional preservation and democratic values, as Yadav renewed his commitment to protecting India's foundational document.
Republic Day Pledge to Uphold Democratic Principles
Addressing the nation on this auspicious occasion, Akhilesh Yadav extended warm Republic Day greetings to all citizens. He emphasized the critical need for every Indian to take a solemn vow to defend democracy and the Constitution. In a heartfelt appeal, he stated in Hindi: "Aaiye is vishesh Gantantra Diwas par desh ke Gantantra ke aadhar – Jantantra — aur uske aadhar Samvidhan ki raksha ka vishisht sankalp uthayein", which translates to "On this special Republic Day, let us take a solemn pledge to safeguard the foundation of our Republic — democracy — and its cornerstone, the Constitution."
A Unique Date in India's Independent History
Yadav highlighted the uniqueness of this year's Republic Day, noting that the date 26th January coincides with the year 2026, creating a rare numerical alignment of 26/1/2026. He described this as a distinctive moment in India's post-independence timeline, symbolizing a call for reflection and renewed dedication to the nation's core principles.
Political Context and Constitutional Concerns
The Samajwadi Party chief's call for constitutional protection comes amidst ongoing political tensions. Akhilesh Yadav has previously accused the Bharatiya Janata Party governments at both the central and state levels of undermining and destroying the country's constitutional institutions. His Republic Day message is seen as a direct response to these perceived threats, reinforcing his party's stance on upholding democratic norms.
By unfurling the tricolour and delivering this powerful address, Yadav positioned the Samajwadi Party as a guardian of India's constitutional ethos. The event in Lucknow not only celebrated Republic Day but also served as a platform to rally public support around the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution.
