Every Indian is to be proud because we are the largest democratic country in the world. Every Indian is to be proud of all the major religions in this country, including Christianity, because one of the disciples of Jesus, who came to India in AD 52 and established the church. Every Indian is to be proud because God has blessed us with more than 12,000 languages. Every Indian is to be proud because of cultural diversities. Diversities make India rich and colorful.
We are proud of our constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and social justice and ensures equality. We are proud of our Constitution because it affirms a secular, democratic nation. We thank God for this great nation and its people.
Today, this great democratic country is under attack because of the vested interests of a few political leaders and their cronies. To capture political power, they are the people on the basis of religions, languages, caste, gender, and race. They are denying diversity and want to build a nation based on one religion, one language, and one uniform civil code. This is nothing but a denial of the riches of this great nation. Hindutva is not a solution for this country. People who deny diversity are a threat to peaceful coexistence and the secular fabric of democracy in India. Political parties that support Hindutva ideology are a threat to peace-loving citizens. Today, minorities live in constant fear. Their worship places are attacked. Minorities are persecuted and killed in many parts of India. Stop the abuse of religion. Allow people to live in peace. We do not want a nation where some of its citizens are treated like second-class citizens.
A nation can progress only when we take the path of justice, respect for others, love for others, and care for one another. A nation can progress only when its citizens exercise their rightful franchise without intimation. A nation can progress only when its citizens are allowed to contribute their best. A nation can progress only when its leaders and citizens exercise responsible freedom.
Love of money, love of power, and self-pride are robbing people’s rights. We want a people-centred government, but not a government controlled by a few cooperators. We do not want a short-term, scheme-centred government, but a government that empowers people to live a dignified life. We want a government that creates jobs for our young generations by promoting the informal sector, but not a government that promotes a few cooperatives. We want a government that works for social upliftment, but not one that makes people dependent on relief supplies. We want a government that protects the environment for future generations, but not a government that sells people’s resources to cooperate. We want a government that is committed to developing rural communities, not just urban areas. Every citizen of the country needs Acha Din. Where is it? Where has it gone? Let us vote for a party that stands for secular democratic principles, affirms diversity, and respects the riches of God’s blessings.
To conclude my speech, I want to read out a Scripture that is taken from Romans 13:1–5. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.”
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The Nokinketer 