As Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood atop the historic Red Fort to address the nation on the 78th Independence Day, anticipation was high. Observers focused on two key elements: the symbolic turban he chose to wear and the tone of his voice. Over the years, Modi’s choice of turbans has varied, but the strength in his voice has remained constant. However, as he delivered his 11th consecutive Independence Day speech, the political landscape around him had shifted significantly.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which once held a commanding majority in the Lok Sabha, now finds itself in a different scenario. The recent Lok Sabha elections, the results of which were declared on June 4, saw the BJP’s numbers reduced to 240 seats—32 seats short of the majority mark. This outcome has made the Modi-led government reliant on the support of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners to maintain its hold on power.
For the past decade, Modi has used his Independence Day addresses to outline his government’s plans and trumpet its achievements. The strength of his government in the Lok Sabha had always backed his calls for tough reforms and decisive action. But this year, the speech came in the wake of an electoral reality where the BJP no longer enjoys an absolute majority.
The frequency of Modi’s public events has decreased since the 2024 general elections, and so has the blanket coverage that usually accompanies them. For instance, the Prime Minister’s event on August 11 at Delhi’s Pusa agriculture institute, where he launched 109 crop varieties, was not even livestreamed—a stark contrast to the extensive coverage his events typically receive.
Given these circumstances, Modi’s Independence Day speech became a pivotal moment, closely watched by millions of Indians eager to see how he would address the new political reality. The question on everyone’s mind was whether the Prime Minister’s voice and body language would reflect this change and whether his government could continue on its reformist path.
Modi Rallies the Strength of 140 Crore Indians
In his address, Prime Minister Modi began by recalling the historic struggle that led to India’s independence, noting how just 40 crore Indians managed to overthrow a colonial superpower. He then transitioned to the present, emphasizing the significance of India’s current population: “We are 140 crore now. If these 140 crore Indians march together, then whatever the challenges, we can overcome all the hurdles and achieve the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he declared.
This invocation of the collective strength of 140 crore Indians was a deliberate choice, signaling that Modi’s confidence stemmed from the people, not just the 240 Lok Sabha seats his party holds. The theme of Viksit Bharat 2047, which envisions India as a developed nation by its centenary of independence, was central to his speech. Modi highlighted that the overwhelming response to the government’s request for suggestions for this vision had come from all sections of society, including the poor, farmers, and tribals.
Commitment to Reforms Despite Electoral Setbacks
Modi’s speech also made it clear that his government remains committed to its reformist agenda, despite the electoral setbacks. He pointed to the need for a “secular civil code,” hinting at the introduction of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This is a key ideological promise of the BJP, and Modi’s mention of it indicated that the party had not abandoned its core issues even in the face of a reduced majority.
Modi emphasized that his government’s actions were driven by a strong resolve, not political expediency: “We haven’t done politics due to compulsion but to put the nation first,” he asserted. Reflecting on the reforms undertaken during his two terms, he noted that it would take hours to list them all but highlighted the banking sector as an example. After decades of mismanagement, Indian banks are now among the strongest globally, serving the poor, students, and farmers.
Modi on Uniform Civil Code: A Clear Ideological Stand
The Prime Minister’s speech did not shy away from contentious issues. He reiterated his commitment to the Uniform Civil Code, a move that has been both widely debated and deeply divisive. “The country needed a secular civil code, having spent 75 years with a communal civil code,” Modi stated, reaffirming the BJP’s ideological stance.
Throughout the speech, Modi exuded confidence, emphasizing the resilience and determination of the Indian people. “Chunautiyo ko chunauti dena, Bharatiyo ke fitrat me hai (It is in the nature of Indians to challenge the challenges),” he proclaimed, underscoring his belief that the nation is poised to overcome any obstacles in its path.
A Speech Reflecting Strength Beyond Political Numbers
In this Independence Day address, Prime Minister Modi demonstrated that his strength as a leader comes not just from political numbers but from the unwavering support of the Indian people. He delivered his speech with clarity and conviction, relying on notes rather than a teleprompter, symbolizing a departure from the norm and perhaps signaling a new chapter in his leadership.
