Amaravati, Nov 26 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, emphasized on Wednesday that every individual holds the duty to defend the values enshrined in the Constitution.

While speaking at a function in the State Assembly to commemorate Constitution Day, he pointed out that the Indian Constitution is the most extensive in the world, and its excellence is attributed to Dr. BR Ambedkar.

“The tool he provided to the citizens is the Constitution itself. Every Indian should recognize the stature of this document. The right to vote is our most powerful instrument; it allows us to alter governments and shape our destiny,” he stated.

The Chief Minister, accompanied by Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu, and Ministers Nara Lokesh and Payyavula Keshav, observed a mock Assembly performed by school students.

“By the next elections, all students who participated in this mock Assembly will acquire the right to vote. It is heartening to see the representation of women in the mock Assembly. Our nation has granted a remarkable 33 percent reservation for women in legislative bodies. While no woman has held the Presidential office in the USA, our country has seen a woman as both President and Prime Minister,” CM Chandrababu remarked.

While referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he noted that if a “Chai Wala” could ascend to the Prime Ministership and redirect the nation's path, it reflects the strength of our Constitution. “Abdul Kalam rose from humble beginnings to become President, awarded the Bharat Ratna. Likewise, Draupadi Murmu, a tribal woman, has also held the Presidential role,” he highlighted.

Chandrababu Naidu shared that he too is a product of an ordinary background, having served as Chief Minister four times due to the opportunities provided by the Constitution.

He emphasized that the Constitution bestows upon citizens not only fundamental rights but also fundamental duties. “Some individuals champion their rights without fulfilling their responsibilities. No one is above the Constitution; it binds everyone. The legislature, executive, and judiciary must adhere to the principles set forth by it, always aiming for the betterment of society,” he asserted.

CM Naidu remarked that the primary aim of organizing the mock Assembly is to foster awareness among students.

Recollecting his own entry into the Assembly as an MLA at 28, he shared with students that he developed a meticulous work ethic from a young age.

“Although my university's Vice Chancellor wanted me to pursue a career as a lecturer, I chose politics and aimed to become an MLA,” he recounted.

He advised the students that merely having a vision is insufficient; one must put it into action. “I became an MLA early on, and my community granted me the opportunity to serve as an MLA nine times. I took on the ministerial role at 30 and became Chief Minister at 45, currently serving my fourth term,” he stated.

Encouraging innovative thinking among students, CM Naidu insisted that children should be empowered to discern right from wrong.

“In my childhood, I studied under a lantern's glow. Later, as Chief Minister, I implemented reforms in the electricity sector in 1999. Today, we can harness electricity even at home,” he concluded.