Catch Team
15 August 2017, 15:49 IST
I-Day: PM Modi speaks about triple talaq, Kashmir, remains silent on China
Delivering his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to play it safe. He was particularly cautious in not mentioning either China or Pakistan, despite deteriorating ties with both countries.
Instead, PM Modi seemed more focused on the domestic audience as he delivered his address from the ramparts of Delhi’s Red Fort.
Particularly significant was the fact that he mentioned Triple Talaq, an issue that the BJP has consistently been raising, allegedly to push the Muslim community to a corner.
Modi also stressed on the need to “develop Eastern India” – Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha and the North East – which he deemed as relatively backward. It appears clear that the aim is to focus on areas in which the BJP is in expansion mode.
Significantly, the PM struck a conciliatory note on Kashmir. He said that the crisis in Kashmir can’t be solved either by “goli” or “gaali” (neither by bullets nor abuses).
Modi also spoke against communal violence, which is important given the rise in attacks on minorities across the country.
“Violence in the name of faith is not something to be happy about, it will not be accepted in India…The country is being run by peace, unity and harmony. It is our civilisation and culture to take everybody along,” he said.
Here are the highlights from his speech:
Greetings to my fellow Indians on Independence Day.
For the freedom and glory of the country, those who have contributed, those who suffered and sacrificed their lives, I salute all those noble souls, mothers and sisters on behalf of 125 crore people of the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
We remember the great women and men who worked hard for India’s freedom.
People of India stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected in the wake of natural disasters in parts of the country & the death of children in the hospital.
This is a special year- 75th anniversary of Quit India, 100th anniversary of Champaran Satyagraha, 125th anniversary of Ganesh Utsav.
The Quit India Movement was “Bharat Chhodo,” but the call today is “Bharat Jodo.”
We have to take the country ahead with the determination of creating a ‘New India’.
From 1942 to 1947, the country had demonstrated collective strength. In the coming 5 years, we have to take the country forward with the same collective strength, commitment and hard work.
In our nation, there is no one big or small…everybody is equal. Together we can bring a positive change in the nation.
We have to move forward for making a New India with the collective strength of 125 crore people without any discrimination of small and big people.
January 1, 2018 will not be an ordinary day - those born in this century will start turning 18. They are Bhagya Vidhatas of our nation.
We have to leave this ‘Chalta Hai’ attitude. We have to think of ‘Badal Sakta Hai’- this attitude will help us as a nation.
The country has changed, is changing and can change. We have to move forward with this belief and commitment.
Security of the country is our priority. Internal security is our priority. Whether it is our oceans or borders, cyber world or space for all kind of security India is capable to defeat all such inimical forces.
Our uniformed forces have achieved the pinnacle of sacrifice in fighting left-wing extremism, terrorism, infiltration and elements disturbing peace. The world had to recognise the strength of India and it clout in the surgical strike.
One rank, One Pension policy has boosted the morale of our security forces.
Those who have looted the nation and looted the poor are not able to sleep peacefully today.
No law was passed for those having Benami property for years. However after the recent passage of the Benami Act, within a short span of time, government has confiscated Benami property worth Rs. 800 crores when these things happen, common men feel that this country is for the honest people.
Today, we are celebrating the “festival of honesty”.
GST has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism. The nation has come together to support GST & the role of technology has also helped.
Today, the poor of the country is joining the main stream and the country is moving torwards the path of progress.
Good governance is about speed and simplification of processes.
India’s stature in the world is rising. The world is with us in fighting the menace of terror. I thank all nations helping us doing so.
We have to work for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir.
There is no question of being soft of terrorism or terrorists.
Neither by bullet: nor by abuses but by hugging we can solve the problem of Kashmir.
Our fight against black money and corruption will continue. We are trying to bring transparency through technology.
There is no question of being soft on terrorism or terrorists.
People would be the driving force behind the establishment, rather than the other way around – Tantra se Lok nahin, Lok se tantra chalega.
New India will be the biggest strength of democracy.
Nature of job is changing with changing demand and changing technology.
We are nurturing our youngsters to be job creators and not job seekers.
I want to mention those women who have to suffer due to ‘Triple Talaq’- I admire their courage. We are with them in their struggles.
India is about Shanti, Ekta and Sadbhavana. Casteism and communalism will not help us.
Violence in the name of ‘Astha’ is not something to be happy about, it will not be accepted in India.
The country is being run by peace, unity and harmony. It is our civilisation and culture to take everybody along.
We are taking the nation on a new track (of development) and are moving ahead with speed.
We are devoting significant attention to eastern India- Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Northeast. These parts have to grow further.
Our farmers have worked hard to ensure a record foodgrain production.
Over 5.75 crore farmers have been covered under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojaana.
Under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, 30 projects have been completed while work is on for 50 more projects.
Under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samapada Yojana we are providing handholding to the farmers from availing seeds to accessing the markets for their produce.
More than 14000 un-electrified villages have been electrified.
29 crore JanDhan accounts opened.
More than 8 crore youth have received loans without any guarantee.
We are fighting corruption – for the bright future of India and the wellbeing of our people.
Our fight against black money and corruption will continue and move forward and the loot in the country will not be allowed.
Our strive for a Corruption Free India has yielded results.
Black money worth Rs. 1.25 lakh crore has been unearthed.
Over 1.75 lakh fake companies have been shut down.
Post GST savings and efficiency in transportation sector has increased. Efficiency has gone up by 30 percent.
More money has come to the banks due to demonetisation which will give impetus to the economy.
Our country has the world’s largest youth population. Today is the era of IT and let’s move ahead on the path of digital transaction.
Let us lead from front, promote digital economy and adopt the Bhim App.
We have moved from co-operative federalism to competitive co-operative federalism.
It had been said in the old scriptures that if a work is not completed on time, one does not get the desired results.
For the Team India it is the right time to commit for a New India.
We shall build together an India, where the poor will have concrete houses with water and electricity connection.
We will build such an India, where the farmers will have a peaceful sleep without any worry. He will earn double than what he is earning today.
Our resolve is to build an India, which provides all the opportunities to the youth and women to fulfill their dreams.
Our resolve is to build such an India, free from terrorism, communalism and casteism.
We will build together an India, where there will be no place for nepotism and corruption.
We will build together such an India, which will be clean, healthy and fulfill the dream of self-rule (Swaraj).
We aspire to build a Divya and Bhavya Bharat.