Citizens Must Step Up to Protect Constitutional Values: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stated that every citizen must be ready to stand up in defence of India’s pluralism and democratic principles. The message was shared through the Chief Minister’s official Facebook post on the occasion of Constitution Day.

Pinarayi Vijayan noted that the Indian Constitution was drafted after extensive discussions and deliberations to realise the freedom struggle’s goals of justice, equality, and civil liberty. He said the essence of the Indian Republic lies in a Constitution that upholds pluralism, democracy, secularism, and federalism.

The Chief Minister added that Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters against imperialism and social injustice. It also demands introspection on whether modern India is protecting the values for which they fought.

He further stated that the Constitution now faces multiple challenges, with efforts underway to weaken foundational pillars such as secularism and federalism. The Chief Minister said India is passing through a phase where religion is used as a benchmark for citizenship, history is distorted, blind faith is encouraged over rational thought, and communal tensions threaten social harmony.

He further pointed to the erosion of states’ rights and the misuse of high constitutional positions to pressure elected governments, thereby weakening the federal structure.

Pinarayi Vijayan concluded that Constitution Day is not merely a ritual observance but a call to action. He asserted that the responsibility of safeguarding the Constitution — built by the people and for the people — ultimately lies with the citizens themselves, and protecting constitutional values is the duty of every Indian.