Women’s safety and stringent action against criminals, the resolve of ‘One Nation One Election’, a ‘secular’ civil code, the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, and commitment to big ticket reforms were the five big takeaways from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 98-minute speech on Independence Day.

The mention of BJP’s core ideological issues like the uniform civil code showed that PM Modi remained steadfast in fulfilling promises made in the BJP’s manifesto despite a diminished mandate in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Youth and employment, widely seen as the core reasons behind the BJP’s poor performance, also featured prominently in PM Modi’s longest ever Independence Day speech.

Here are the top five takeaways from PM Modi’s Independence Day speech:

PM MODI CALLS FOR ‘SECULAR CIVIL CODE’

The Ram temple constructed and Article 370 abolished, the third big core issue of the BJP is the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The topic was mentioned by PM Modi on Thursday, saying a “secular civil code” was the need of the hour.

Calling for an end to religion-based discrimination, PM Modi said the country has had a communal civil code for 75 years. “It is the need of the hour that India has a secular civil code. We have lived for 75 years with a communal civil code,” PM Modi said.

Earlier this year, Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to have a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Act. The Centre has referred the issue to the Law Commission, which began public consultations last year.

UCC basically means a uniform set of laws governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of their religion.

ONE NATION ONE ELECTION

Simultaneous elections have also been a prominent part of the BJP’s manifesto and PM Modi chose Independence Day to push the ‘One nation one election’ idea. The Prime Minister urged political parties to come together to achieve the resolve of ‘One Nation One Election’.

“Frequent elections are creating a problem for the country. Policies and work are being associated with elections. There have been discussions about this. One nation, one election is important. I appeal to political parties and those who understand the Constitution that we should move towards one nation, one election,” PM Modi said.

Earlier this year, a high-level committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind submitted its report on One Nation One Election to President Droupadi Murmu.

WOMEN’S SAFETY

Amid widespread outrage over the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, PM Modi stressed the need for state governments to act on crimes against women with “utmost urgency”. Without mentioning the Kolkata incident, PM Modi said there was a need to instil fear among the perpetuators of such crimes.

“Crimes against women should be probed swiftly, and stringent punishment should be given to those who commit such demonic acts,” Modi said, calling for swift investigation into crimes against women.

“There is a lot of news when there is an incident, but there is no talk of offenders being punished. This is why there is no fear. We need to instil a sense of fear amongst those abusing women… Those who commit such sins should know that they will be hanged,” the Prime Minister said.

BIG TICKET REFORMS

Despite the BJP failing to secure a majority on its own and coming to power with the help of its allies, PM Modi gave a strong indication that big ticket reforms would continue.

Underscoring the motto of ‘Nation First’, the Prime Minister said the government’s commitment to reforms was not restricted to editorials, and it was for making the country strong.

“Earlier, people wanted change, but their aspirations were not paid heed to. We brought about big reforms on the ground. Our commitment to reforms is not for temporary applause or due to compulsions, but has resolve to strengthen the country,” PM Modi said.

In his first two tenures, PM Modi introduced the GST, carried out demonetisation, and brought a new income tax policy.

ON BANGLADESH UNREST, SAFETY OF HINDUS

While PM Modi’s speech was largely devoid of any foreign policy issue, he touched upon the unrest in Bangladesh that saw the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, triggering widespread looting and targeting of minorities.

PM Modi said 140 crore Indians were worried about the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, which now has an Army-backed interim government in place.

“As a neighbouring country, I understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. We want the government to ensure the safety of Hindus and minorities there. India always wants its neighbouring countries to walk the path of prosperity and peace,” the Prime Minister said.

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