‘Some people gain joy in keeping nation terrified’: PM on Covid, West Asia crisis

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing his nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, reflected on the country's challenges over the past decade and a half. Modi highlighted the COVID-19 pandemic, the wars in Ukraine and West Asia, and the atmosphere of tension that followed India's recovery from the virus. He criticized individuals who thrived on spreading misinformation and fear, claiming that their actions only served to terrify the population.

Despite these challenges, Modi asserted that India's citizen-first approach had helped the nation navigate its crises successfully.

Turning to development, Modi celebrated the expansion of piped gas infrastructure, noting that the number of cities with such access had grown from 70 to 700 over the past 12 years, connecting 1.75 crore households to the gas lines. He also acknowledged India's progress in eliminating Naxalism, remembering the security personnel who had sacrificed their lives to protect the citizens.

Additionally, Modi urged political parties to advance women's representation in legislatures, calling for 33% representation for women in state assemblies and the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with families affected by recent floods and landslides, reaffirming that the entire nation stood with them during their time of need.