Gorakhpur, demonetization, terrorism and more: Highlights of Modi's I-Day speech
PM Narendra Modi addressed the nation on its 70th Independence Day from the Red Fort this morning. Modi talked about governance, terrorism, Kashmir and triple talaq. After much criticism for not condemning the Gorakhpur tragedy, he commented on the matter too. This time, suggestions had been invited from the public about the topics that should be addressed. Here're the highlights from his one-hour speech.
On national security: 'After surgical strikes, world acknowledged India's strength'
"The concern for national security is natural in an independent India," Modi said. "Whether it's terrorism or infiltrators, our security personnel have always been ready for sacrifice." He also talked about last year's surgical strikes. "After it, the entire world had to acknowledge India's strength." The PM announced a new gallantry-award-based portal through which people would be able to know more about martyrs.
On the Gorakhpur tragedy: 'All of us stand together'
Within a few days, over 60 children died in Gorakhpur's BRD Hospital, allegedly due to lack of oxygen supply. Modi said, "There are times when conditions in nature become problematic. All the countrymen stand together at this time."
On good governance: Demonetization, OROP, GST and more
Modi said his government had brought about schemes to benefit the common people, like demonetization and GST, and implemented age-old schemes like OROP. In three years, it recovered Rs. 1.25L crore black money and cancelled 1.75L shell companies. He also lauded states for "working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Centre for development" in a competitive cooperative federalism model.
On Kashmir: 'Change possible only by embracing Kashmiris'
Modi said the Kashmir issue won't be solved through abuses or bullets; change will come only when we embrace Kashmiris. "But there will be no leniency for terrorism. I have told many people to become a part of democracy," he added.
On women and farmers: 'India will support fight against triple-talaq'
Talking about triple talaq, Modi said, "The women of this country created a revolution against triple talaq…(with) even the media supporting the women." He said his government is also working extensively for farmers. "Before 2019, we will complete 99 yojanas and we will complete the work of providing water to all our farmers." "We need infrastructure for that…That's why we encouraged FDIs," he said.
On equality, violence and communalism: 'Everyone's equal'
Addressing rising incidents of communalism and violence, Modi said, "There was once a slogan of 'Bharat choro'. Now, there needs to be a slogan of 'Bharat Jodo'." "We work, but we work to end poverty, end social discrimination, encourage love for the nation." "Everybody is equal in our nation, no one's big or small. We together can bring a positive change in the nation."
On New India: 'No terrorism, communalism in a Swachh Bharat'
"We need to adopt a resolution to create a New India by 2022. (The new India) will have water and electricity for the poor; income will be twice what it is now; (no) terrorism, communalism and casteism. We will create a Bharat that is 'Swachh'."
