Mumbai, Jan 26 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared on the occasion of India's 77th Republic Day that the state is set to become the driving force of the national economy.

While addressing the audience at the main ceremony held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan in Dadar, he stressed that Maharashtra's advancement is firmly anchored in constitutional principles and democratic integrity.

Emphasizing recent economic achievements, Fadnavis remarked that India is on a fast track to becoming the third-largest economy globally.

“At the recently held World Economic Forum in Davos, Maharashtra inked investment MoUs totaling Rs 30 lakh crore. In the years ahead, our state will further solidify its role as the backbone of India's economy,” stated the Chief Minister.

He insisted that Maharashtra will continue to be dynamic and unstoppable, perpetually advancing under the guidance of the Constitution.

The ceremony commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag by the Chief Minister, who also paid homage to Bharat Ratna B.R. Ambedkar. He acknowledged the Drafting Committee's pivotal role, highlighting that the values of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity are integral to Indian society and reflected in the Constitution.

He pointed out that the essence of brotherhood, as taught by Lord Gautam Buddha, is central to India's governance.

The Chief Minister outlined ambitious goals for the state. In infrastructure, initiatives such as the Mumbai Metropolitan infrastructure projects, the Samruddhi Mahamarg, and the Shaktipeeth Highway are establishing unprecedented connectivity.

In terms of Agriculture & Irrigation, the government is dedicated to making Maharashtra Drought-Free through comprehensive river-linking projects. Furthermore, the state is at the forefront of the nation in solar agricultural feeders and solar pumps.

In Housing, a remarkable 30 lakh houses are under construction in rural areas as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

For Social Welfare, initiatives like 'Ladki Bahin' and free electricity for farmers focus on inclusive societal growth. The ceremony featured a grand parade led by Commander Pankaj Baghel of the Indian Navy.

Participating units included elite forces from the Indian Navy, Goa Police, State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), and specialized C-60 units from Gadchiroli and Gondia.

The police contingents comprised of the Brihanmumbai Police (Armed, Women’s, and Riot Control units), Railway Police, and Traffic Police. Additionally, NCC, NSS, Sea Cadet Corps, and Road Safety Patrols from various schools, including St. Paul’s and Dr. Antonio Da Silva, along with emergency services such as the Mumbai Fire Brigade and Nirbhaya Squad, participated in the parade.

The parade showcased vibrant tableaux from various state departments, including Rural Development, Marathi Language, Tourism, Tribal Development, and Agriculture, reflecting the state's rich cultural heritage and administrative achievements.

The event was graced by the presence of Legislative Council Speaker Ram Shinde, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, DGP Sadanand Date, and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, along with representatives from various foreign consulates.