A Tribute to Freedom Fighters
PM Modi paid tribute to the freedom fighters, emphasizing the immense sacrifices they made to achieve India's independence. He noted, "When we were 400 million, we successfully realized the dream of freedom. Today, we are 1.4 billion strong. Together, we can overcome any obstacle."
Women's Safety: A National Priority
During his address, PM Modi raised the issue of women's safety, stressing the need for state governments to take crimes against women seriously and ensure that perpetrators feel the fear of punishment. Although he did not mention any specific cases, his remarks came at a time when the nation was grappling with the tragic incident involving a doctor from Kolkata's R.G. Kar Medical College, which led to widespread protests among the medical community.
He urged society and state governments to address the growing concern over crimes against women, stating, "I want to express my pain from the Red Fort today. We must think seriously about the atrocities being committed against our mothers, sisters, and daughters. The public outrage is real, and it is crucial that our state governments take this issue seriously."
The Call for Swift Justice
PM Modi also called for swift investigations into crimes against women and the need for harsh punishments for those who commit heinous acts. He emphasized the importance of creating a climate of fear among potential wrongdoers, noting, "When incidents of rape occur, they dominate the media, but when these monsters are punished, it doesn’t become news. I believe the time has come for such stories to be highlighted. Creating this fear is very important."
Uniform Civil Code and National Security
The Prime Minister also touched upon the importance of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the concept of "One Nation, One Election," describing them as the need of the hour. He further mentioned the safety and security of Hindus in Bangladesh, drawing attention to the issue on an international scale.
Criticism from the Opposition
PM Modi's speech did not go without criticism. Congress leader and spokesperson Pawan Khera reacted on social media, suggesting that despite holding the highest office for many years, PM Modi's stature has not grown. Khera criticized Modi's remarks about previous governments, particularly the one led by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and pointed out the sensitivity required while discussing national security issues.
Conclusion
PM Modi's speech covered a wide range of topics, from the importance of UCC to the critical issue of women's safety. His remarks reflect the government's stance on these issues, signaling the direction in which it aims to steer the nation as it progresses towards its goal of becoming a developed country by 2047.