Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday said the national capital would play a greater role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation, asserting that the city’s progress was closely linked to the country’s pride and prestige.
CM Gupta hoisted the Tricolour at the state-level Independence Day celebrations at Chhatrasal Stadium and paid tribute to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices laid the foundation of an independent India.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said Independence Day was not merely a national festival but an occasion to remember the courage, sacrifice and dedication of those who fought for the country’s freedom.
“The fluttering Tricolour is not only a symbol of our glorious past but also a pledge towards our bright future. It constantly reminds us that freedom is not merely a right but also a continuing responsibility towards nation-building,” she said.
CM Gupta said her government had inherited several challenges, including administrative delays and incomplete projects, but had chosen to treat them as opportunities for transformation. She said the government was focusing on a result-oriented approach, with emphasis on timely decisions, completion of schemes and ensuring that their benefits reached citizens directly.
“We have not confined governance to registers. We have given priority to development work,” CM Gupta said, adding that coordination between various agencies and the Delhi government had helped accelerate development projects.
She also said several schemes and programmes that had earlier not been implemented were now being taken forward. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Gupta said Delhi was benefiting from various initiatives of the Central government.
Later, in a post on X, the Chief Minister said the government had placed before the people its vision for a developed Delhi and outlined the direction for the coming years.
“Our goal is to build a capital that is clean, modern, and self-reliant, where women’s power is empowered, new opportunities are available for the youth, good governance reaches every citizen, and our culture and heritage advance alongside development,” she said.
CM Gupta asserted that Delhi would contribute fully to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
“In the journey towards a developed India, Delhi will play a leading role with its full potential,” she said.
Delhi ministers also highlighted the government’s roadmap for the capital. Minister Kapil Mishra said the Chief Minister had presented the achievements of the Delhi government as well as its plans for the future, while Minister Ashish Sood said the Delhi government would work in line with the vision outlined by the Prime Minister, including the seven streams of power, or ‘Saptadhara’, highlighted in his Independence Day address.
Meanwhile, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta hoisted the National Flag at his official residence and reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values and national development.
The ceremony included a ceremonial Guard of Honour, while rose petals were showered as the Tricolour was unfurled. The Speaker paid homage to freedom fighters and national heroes and called for collective efforts to build a prosperous, harmonious and strong nation.
“As we step into our 80th Independence Day, the historic Vidhan Sabha stands as a beacon of our rich democratic legacy and national pride,” Gupta said, calling upon citizens to protect Constitutional values, strengthen unity and contribute to the growth and progress of the national capital.
The Delhi Assembly premises hosted special programmes to mark Independence Day, including special illumination and public access to the historic legislature.
On the eve of Independence Day, the 115-year-old Assembly building was opened to citizens, with families and young visitors exploring its heritage and architecture. Performances by the BSF and CRPF bands added to the patriotic atmosphere.
(With agency inputs)
