Independence Day 2026 Live Updates: PM Modi raises flag at Red Fort, Independence Day address shortly

Independence Day 2026 brought speeches from India's state leaders, with an emphasis on development, employment, youth and regional priorities. In Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren assured job seekers their hard work would not be devalued by paper leak mafia, corruption or irregularities. Simultaneously, students protested over recruitment exam reforms. The Jharkhand DGP reported 103 Naxalites arrested, 46 surrendered and 22 killed in encounters since January 2026.

Karnataka's Chief Minister D K Shivakumar introduced AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula programmes for AI education in schools and announced plans for India's first government-owned AI university in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called on young people to use their talent for startups, innovation, research and nation-building while warning against the influence of "Urban Naxals."

Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged youth not to succumb to external forces, stating Prime Minister Narendra Modi was ready to address their concerns. Andhra Pradesh's N Chandrababu Naidu connected his government's Swarna Andhra goal to the Centre's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, while Maharashtra's Devendra Fadnavis aimed to turn every district into a growth engine.

Chhattisgarh's Vishnu Deo Sai noted the state's new era of peace and development since being declared free from Maoists on March 31, 2026. Bihar's Samrat Choudhary announced a Rs 5 lakh crore investment target for 2026, pledging one crore jobs and employment opportunities by 2030. Assam's Himanta Biswa Sarma announced Rs 1.50 lakh crore capital expenditure for infrastructure improvements over the next five years.

Arunachal Pradesh's Pema Khandu announced Rs 7,834 crore in investments for roads, rural connectivity and post-flood/rehabilitation projects.