Indian Constitution Has Strengthened the Country’s Democracy – Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

Pune, January 2026 :Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune district Ajit Pawar said today that it is the strength of the Indian Constitution that has enabled India—home to diverse languages, religions, castes, and cultures—to emerge as the world’s largest and most successful democracy. Upholding a democratic system founded on the values of equality, liberty, fraternity, and justice is the responsibility of every citizen, he asserted.

The main official ceremony marking the 77th Indian Republic Day was held with great enthusiasm at the Police Parade Ground, featuring flag hoisting and a ceremonial parade. Present on the occasion were Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Chaubey, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, and Pune District Superintendent of Police Sandeepsingh Gill.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar extended Republic Day greetings to public representatives, freedom fighters and their families, members of the armed forces, paramilitary and police personnel, and citizens. He paid heartfelt tributes to the known and unknown freedom fighters who sacrificed everything for the nation’s independence. He also saluted the martyrs of the Goa Liberation Movement, the Hyderabad–Marathwada Liberation Movement, and those who laid down their lives for the formation of a united Maharashtra. Expressing gratitude to soldiers who made supreme sacrifices to protect the nation’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty, he acknowledged their invaluable contribution.

Pride in Padma and Gallantry Awardees
Ajit Pawar noted that the inclusion of distinguished personalities from Maharashtra among the gallantry and service medals, as well as the Padma awards announced by the Central Government, is a moment of pride for the state. He said that Padma awardees from fields such as art, industry, social service, sports, medicine, and agriculture—along with officers and personnel from the police, fire services, home guards, and correctional services—have elevated Maharashtra’s stature at the national level. He also highlighted Pune’s historic and decisive role in the freedom struggle and social reform movements.

Pune district, he said, continues to lead in agriculture, industry, trade, cooperation, banking, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Its identity as a major IT hub, auto hub, and startup center is attracting youth from across India and abroad.

Ajit Pawar emphasized that the Indian Constitution, drafted under the leadership of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, is not merely a book of laws but a powerful instrument of social transformation. By guaranteeing equal rights, freedom of expression and religion, and social justice to every citizen, the Constitution has strengthened India’s democracy, he said.

He further stated that Maharashtra’s progress is rooted in the ideals of Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and that these ideals form the mantra for the sustainable development of both the state and the nation. He appealed to all citizens to uphold and preserve these values.

Commending the unparalleled service of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary forces, police, and disaster management teams, he said their sacrifices on the borders, commitment to internal security, and prompt response during disasters are truly inspiring.

Ajit Pawar reiterated that democracy is not limited to voting alone; adherence to the Constitution, respect for the rule of law, social harmony, and unity in diversity are collective responsibilities of every citizen.

Felicitations for Police Officers and Personnel
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar felicitated award-winning police officers and personnel for their outstanding contributions across various fields. The honorees included Deputy Superintendent Dayanand Sadashiv Gawade of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Pune Unit; Police Inspector Avinash Rokdarao Shilimkar; Assistant Sub-Inspector Pradeep Sahebrao Sanantu from SRPF Group No. 1; Assistant Commissioner Vitthal Khehuli Kubde from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate; and Mahendra Damodar Kore, Amol Fadtare, and Deputy Superintendent Anant Mali.

Flag-off of ‘Clean Pune Resolve–2026’ Campaign Vehicle
The Deputy Chief Minister also flagged off the publicity vehicle for the Pune Municipal Corporation’s ambitious ‘Clean Pune Resolve–2026’ initiative. The campaign emphasizes cleanliness, environmental conservation, and active citizen participation under the vision of “Clean Pune, Beautiful Pune.” Through this initiative, awareness will be created about waste segregation, plastic-free practices, hygiene habits, cleanliness of public spaces, and civic responsibility.

Present on this occasion were Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Chaubey, Pune District Superintendent of Police Sandeepsingh Gill, senior municipal officials, public representatives, and a large number of sanitation department officers and staff.

Salute to the National Flag at Divisional Commissioner’s Office
On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar hoisted the national flag and paid homage to it at the Divisional Commissioner’s Office.

Additional Commissioners Tushar Thombre, Dr. Swati Deshmukh-Patil, Nitin Mane, Deputy Commissioners Ramesh Bende and Sanjeev Palande, along with officers, staff, and citizens from the Divisional Commissioner’s Office, were present. Dr. Pulkundwar extended Republic Day greetings to all attendees.