Bengaluru, DHNS:Fight divisive forces, says chief minister in I-Day speech. Terming the recent incidents of atrocities against Dalits, minorities and women across the country as “shameful”, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said a movement akin to the freedom struggle should be launched to fight divisive forces.

Addressing the gathering during the 70th Independence Day celebrations at the Manekshaw Parade Grounds in the city, Siddaramaiah said that the recent inhuman incidents “had made every right-thinking Indian hang his head in shame and question the very existence of civilised society”.

Siddaramaiah said that patriotism in its truest sense meant respecting the freedom of others, and letting them follow practices of their choice. “Patriotism cannot be reduced to mere sloganeering. It ushers in an equitable society through the ideals enunciated in the Constitution,” he said.

Stating that the concept of freedom was neither shallow nor narrow, he said that it was not merely limited to any particular field. “Freedom exists in the use of language, observance of cultural and traditional practices including dress and eating habits,” he added.

He said that Karnataka had become the most favoured destination in India for investors, after his government came to power. Earlier, Siddaramaiah unfurled the national flag and reviewed the parade and took salute from different contingents during Independence Day celebrations.

As many as 47 platoons, including KSRP, Scouts and Guides, Border Security Force, Central Armed Reserve Police Forces and 11 musical bands participated in the parade. Nearly 3,000 students from different educational institutions staged cultural performances. ‘Malla Kamba’ performance by the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Belagavi, was the highlight.