NEW DELHI, Jan 26: The national flag was raised, and vibrant parades highlighting India’s cultural diversity took place across the nation on the 76th Republic Day this Sunday, with states showcasing their accomplishments and laying out future development plans.
In a significant announcement, Bihar’s Governor Arif Mohammad Khan declared that the state will create 1.2 million government jobs and generate 3.4 million employment opportunities for the youth by year-end.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary reiterated the call for the return of statehood, emphasizing it as essential for regional peace and progress.
There were tense moments in Guwahati, Assam, following a loud noise reported in the Beharbari area, with police currently investigating the matter.
Rajasthan’s Governor Haribhau Bagade hoisted the national flag during the state-level Republic Day celebration at the Maharana Bhupal Stadium in Udaipur, commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and stating that India has emerged as a global superpower under his guidance.
He underscored the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas’ as fundamental to India’s socio-economic and political advancement. He noted that while many countries face economic difficulties due to instability, India’s political stability allows for firm decision-making.
At the gathering, which was also attended by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Khan reviewed the parade from an open gypsy, highlighting several vibrant cultural performances.
In Punjab and Haryana, police and home guard units participated in parades across district headquarters.
Punjab’s Governor and the Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, unfurled the national flag at a regional function in Ludhiana, while Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann did so in Patiala.
Haryana’s Governor Bandaru Dattatreya raised the national flag in Faridabad, and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Rewari.
In Punjab, numerous farmers initiated tractor parades at various sites under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) banner, advocating for their demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support prices, with many tractors prominently displaying black flags.
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan led the state ceremony at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, announcing that Bihar has thus far provided government jobs to 900,000 individuals and created 2.4 million employment opportunities.
“The Bihar government is set to offer 1.2 million government jobs and prepare 3.4 million employment opportunities for the youth by the year’s conclusion. We are actively working in this direction,” he stated.
Khan also elaborated on various welfare initiatives and significant infrastructure projects initiated by the state government.
The administration is focusing on women’s empowerment and taking significant steps to assist them in gaining employment and becoming self-sufficient, he added.
Deputy CM Choudhary asserted that statehood and special status are constitutional rights of the union territory’s citizens.
Speaking at the Republic Day event at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Choudhary noted, “The withdrawal of statehood has inflicted deep anguish, regardless of the justification provided. It has undermined the self-worth and confidence of people in Jammu and Kashmir.”
“The populace demands the prompt restoration of statehood, which will not only revive their self-assurance but also stimulate development. Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a part of India; it is its essence,” he remarked.
While security forces were deployed extensively to ensure peaceful Republic Day events, the overall atmosphere in the city felt more relaxed with reduced checkposts to manage traffic. Concertina wires were absent from intersections, and mobile internet remained operational this year.
In Assam, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya remarked at a Republic Day event in Guwahati that the state has successfully maintained peace while progressing in terms of infrastructure, social and economic development, and environmental sustainability.
He highlighted law and order Maintenance, crime control, insurgency counteraction, and ensuring public safety as top governmental priorities. There have been several recent surrenders and peace accords signed by militant groups, illustrating these efforts, he noted.
Earlier, the Beharbari area of the state capital experienced panic after a loud noise was detected close to the Brahmaputra vegetable market.
“It occurred around 7:45 am. After we hoisted the national flag in our compound, we heard the noise and rushed to check. Fortunately, there were no injuries or property damage,” shared a Brahmaputra Bazar employee.
Authorities indicated the sound originated from the truck parking area near the market and are currently investigating.
Residents reported similar noises in Rehabari; however, police characterized it as unfounded.
Additionally, an unattended bag discovered near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Betkuchi caused further alarm.
Authorities confirmed that the area was secured and thoroughly checked by an anti-sabotage team, finding no suspicious items.
Later in the day, the banned ULFA (I) allegedly sent an email to the media, claiming responsibility for “explosions” at two locations in Guwahati.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma raised the national flag in Dibrugarh and announced future developments to establish the district headquarters as the state’s second capital within the next three years.
In his Republic Day address in Hyderabad, Telangana’s Governor Jishnu Dev Verma mentioned the state’s ambition to establish itself as a global center for technology and innovation.
He added that agreements signed at the World Economic Forum in Davos have attracted investments totaling over ₹1.78 lakh crore, expected to create approximately 49,500 jobs, he stated. (Agencies)
