Chandy first CM to receive Republic Day salute

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Oommen Chandy became the first Chief Minister to receive the salute at the Republic Day parade on Thursday as Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj, holding additional charge of Kerala, was in Bangalore to take part in the celebrations there.Colourful parades marked the celebrations at the 63rd Republic Day with the Chief Minister hoisting the national flag here, while various Ministers received the salute at the parades held at the respective district headquarters. In his address, the Chief Minister said that recently some deliberate attempts  being made against the State’s secular values and credentials.“Kerala has always upheld secular values and this has boosted our confidence. However, recently some attempts have been made to destroy our secular values. I want to tell those forces that it would be better if they correct themselves and if they don’t then the people will correct them,” Chandy said.He said that the UDF Government was committed to the overall development of the state.“On completion of one year, a progress report would be brought out. In between the one-year programme, Kerala vision 2030, would also be formulated. It is for the first time in Kerala such a futuristic project has been envisaged,” said Chandy.The high-speed corridor, Kochi-Coimbatore Industrial Corridor, Mono Rail, Kochi Metro, Smart City, Vizhinjam Harbour and Kannur Airport are some of the main projects that will put Kerala on a fast track to development, said the Chief Minister.Chandy used the occasion to assure the state to allay the fears of people living in the shadow of Mullaperiyar dam. “Our motto is water to Tamil Nadu and safety for Kerala” he said.