Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for a "secular" civil code and simultaneous national and state elections, marking a firm stance on two key promises from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto.
In his 11th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Modi endorsed the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), criticising the current framework as "communal" and discriminatory.
"A significant portion of society believes, and there is truth in this, that the existing civil code fosters division and inequality along religious lines," Modi said. He emphasised that the shift towards a secular civil code aligns with the spirit of the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s repeated endorsements.
Modi also highlighted concerns over unrest in Bangladesh, expressing hope for the restoration of normalcy and safety for minorities there. He wore a traditional multi-coloured Rajasthani turban and white kurta during his address.
The Prime Minister expressed deep concern over rising crimes against women, including the recent rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. He urged state governments to ensure swift justice in such cases. Modi's 98-minute speech was his longest Independence Day address to date.
He reiterated his commitment to reducing casteism and nepotism in politics, advocating for the entry of 100,000 youth with no family ties to politics to invigorate democracy. Additionally, Modi announced plans to create 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years to address the high cost of medical education abroad.
While the UCC and 'one nation, one election' have featured in BJP manifestos for years, the central government has yet to implement the UCC nationwide. The Law Commission began consultations on the matter last year, with a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind recommending simultaneous elections. However, opposition parties have strongly opposed this concept.
Modi cautioned against those he described as opponents of India’s progress, without naming specific individuals or incidents. He also addressed recent criticisms aimed at the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the government, linking them to opposition attempts to disrupt economic stability.
The Prime Minister urged citizens to unite in their resolve to achieve a prosperous India by 2047, emphasising the importance of reforms and the role of state governments in attracting global investments. He highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise infrastructure and welfare schemes, and pledged to continue the fight against corruption.
Modi also expressed a vision for India to become a global leader in semiconductor production and industrial manufacturing. He concluded by stressing the importance of overcoming challenges through unity and innovation, and by reviving the "Nalanda Spirit" in education to attract international students to India.
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