Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation on Independence Day. Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation on Independence Day. Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on Independence Day. In his 56-minute speech, the Prime Minister focused a great deal on creating a “new India” and anti-graft measures. The PM said the people of the nation have to come together to build a country where the governance goes along with the people of the nation. “New India’ is the greatest strength of the of the democracy and it is not just limited to the ballot papers,” PM Modi said. He also said the government’s fight against black money and corruption will continue.

On the 71st Independence Day, the national capital has been put under a blanket of security cover. Thousands of security personnel, including 9,100 personnel from the Delhi Police, have been deployed in and around the historic Mughal fort, overseeing the presence of top dignitaries, including politicians, bureaucrats, diplomats and the general public, who came to attend the PM’s address.

Watch | PM Modi address to the nation Live



LIVE Updates from PM Modi’s Independence Day speech

10:40 am: Congress leader Anand Sharma criticised PM Modi’s speech. Speaking to reporters, Sharma said, “PM Modi mentioned surgical strike in his speech which isis about a year old. After that repeated attacks and violations have taken place.” The Congress leader also slammed Modi’s pitch on GST during Independence Day speech. “PM Modi was making tall claims on GST. But for seven years, he and BJP in opposition had stalled GST,” Sharma said.

10:35 am: To read the top quotes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech, click here.

10:28 am: In his I-day speech, the Prime Minister pitched for harmony and peace. PM Modi stressed that India is the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Buddha and said that in modern times, the slogan “Bharat chhodo (Quit India)” needs to adapted into “Bharat jodo (Unite India)”. Amid the backdrop of rising violent lynchings incident allegedly by cow vigilantes in the nation, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that violence in the name of faith is ‘not acceptable’ . “Violence in the name of faith is not acceptable in the country,” the PM said.

10:15 am: To see images of PM Narendra Modi addressing the nation on Independence Day, click here.

10:05 am: Prime Minister Narenda Modi, in his address, said the demonetisation move was successful, adding over Rs 1.75 lakh crore was deposited in banks after the note ban. He further added that over 18 lakh people are currently under government scrutiny. He added that the data cited is from outside experts.

9:58 am: As India celebrates its 70th Independence Day, read LIVE UPDATES on how the day is being celebrated all over the country. Click here to read

9:53 am: In his speech, the Prime Minister focused a great deal on the coming five years for India. He said the year 2017 is special, as India marks the 75th anniversary of Quit India, 100th anniversary of champaran Satyagraha and 125th anniversary of Ganesh Utsav. He further added the next five years will be crucial for India’s progress. “India witnessed her collective strength from 1942 to 1947. Similarly, next five years, 2017 to 2022 are crucial for the country’s progress”, the PM said.

9:45 am: Meanwhile, Government of India has launched a website gallantryawards.gov.in to honour the soldiers who have laid their lives in defence of the nation. Speaking about the website, PM Modi said the portal will preserve the stories of the brave soldiers. “In remembrance of our heroes who have been awarded gallantry awards since Independence, launched the site gallantryawards. The portal will preserve & tell the stories of our bravest men & women, civilians as well as armed forces personnel,” PM Modi said on Twitter. He further added those having more information or photo of those not mentioned in the website, can share the information via feedback link on the website.

9:20 am: PM Modi, in a Twitter post, said he was honoured to address the citizens on Independence Day.

Honoured to address fellow Indians on Independence Day. Sharing my speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. https://t.co/XOcdUsGCTu — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2017

8:42 am: A note on Prime Minister Modi’s I-day speech.

PM @narendramodi had his 56 minute speech- build a new India was the msg. Anti graft steps have been the main focus @IndianExpress — Liz Mathew (@MathewLiz) August 15, 2017

8:38 am: After finishing his speech, the Prime Minister met with school children before making his way to his van.

8:30 am: Prime Minister ends his address to the nation.

8:27 am: Prime Minister Modi said we together will create a new India where the farmers will sleep peacefully at night. He added that the poison of communalism, casteism and terrorism will have no place in New India. He added that corruption will no longer be prevalent in new India and the poor people will lead a progressive life. He added that the youth and women will get complete opportunities to fulfill their dreams in the new India. He also said we all have to work together to create a clean and healthy India.

8:24 am: Talking about his demonetisation move, PM Modi said he initiated the biggest fight against black money for the benefit of poor people. “We are fighting corruption- for the bright future of India and the well-being of our people,” he said. He further added that people will now pay if they try to loot the country. “Our fight against corruption and black money will go on further.

8:20 am: PM Modi said that the government is devoted towards the development of North-Eastern states. “We are devoting significant attention to eastern India- Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Northeast. These parts have to grow further,” the Prime Minister said.

8:15 am: Speaking against the practice of Triple Talaq, PM Modi said that he admires the courage of women who have been suffering due to Triple Talaq. He added that the nation is with them in their struggles. He also went on to criticise the practice of casteism and communalism. “India is about peace, unity and goodwill. Casteism and communalism will not help us,” he said. He further said India is a country of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. PM Modi also said that violence should not be not done in the name of “Astha” or devotion.

8:12 am: Talking about the New India, Modi said that in the new country, the people will be the new rulers. He further discussed aspects relating to the agricultural sector. Talking about the youth of the nation, the Prime Minister said that youth of the nation are being promoted to become job creators and not just be job seekers.

8:10 am: PM Modi said India has the capability to reach Mars within 9 months. He further added that the country’s fight against black money and corruption will ocontinue. “Be it issue of gas subsidy, Swach Bharat or demonetization , people of India have extended their full support,” PM Modi said.

8:00 am: The Prime Minister said Kashmir will make progress only if the people of the nation come together. He further added the problem of Kashmir can be solved by hugging Kashmiri people. “Na goli se, na gaali se, Kashmir ki samasya suljhegi gale lagaane se.” PM Modi also said that that the country will never become soft on terrorism. “There is no question we will be soft on terrorism or against terrorists,” he further added.

7:55 am: Talking about the economic reforms adopted by the country, PM Modi said those looting the nation are spending sleepless nights. Speaking about the newly implemented tax reform GST, the Prime Minister said that the move showed the spirit of cooperative federalism. “The nation has come together to support GST and the role of technology has also helped,” the Prime Minister said.

7:53 am: PM Modi further said that India is not fighting alone against terrorism and other nations are actively supporting the nation in its bid to end terrorism. “India’s stature in the world is rising. The world is with us in fighting the menace of terror. I thank all nations helping us doing so,” he said.

7:50 am: Prime Minister asked the citizens to leave behind “chalta hai (let it be)” mentality and adopt “badal sakta hai (we can bring change)”. He further added that the new attitude will help the nation. Talking about the strength of Indian security forces, PM Modi said that India’s security is our priority. He added that India’s security forces have always proved their mettle. “When we launched a surgical strike, the world had to admit the strength of our nation,” PM said.

7:45 am: The Prime Minister in is address said that all the citizens are equal in India. “There is no one big or small… everybody is equal. Together we can bring a positive change in the nation,” PM Modi said. He added that those were born in this millennium will turn 18 this year and will become “Bhagya vidhatas”.

7:42 am: Prime Minister, in his address, said that people of India have stood in unison to help those affected due to natural disasters. “People of India stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters and the tragedy in Gorakhpur,” he said. He further said that the citizen needs to dream of a “new India” to take the country forward. “We have to take the country ahead with the determination of creating a ‘New India’,” PM Modi said.

7:35 am: Prime Minister begins his address to the nation. He offers Independence Day greetings to the citizen of the nation. He paid his respects to all those who laid their lives for the cause of the Independence. “We remember the great women and men who worked hard for India’s freedom,” the Prime Minister said.

7:30 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag at Red Fort, which was followed by the recitation of National Anthem. PM Modi will now begin his address.

Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi unfurls the tricolor at Red Fort, New Delhi. #स्वतंत्रतादिवस pic.twitter.com/pvz9uNYGbW — BJP LIVE (@BJPLive) August 15, 2017

7:15 am: PM Modi has inspected the Guard of Honour. Now, he is making his way to Lahore Gate from where he will be escorted to the ramparts of Red Fort where the flag hoisted ceremony will take place and he will address the nation.

7:10 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Rajghat. On his arrival he paid his homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tributes at Rajghat #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/cqarSUFqBT — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2017

7:05 am: You can watch Prime Minister Modi’s address to the nation live below:

7:00 am: PM Narendra Modi will address the nation from Red Fort shortly.

PM Narendra Modi to address the nation from the Red Fort shortly #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/KXCPsV4ZKF — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2017

6:50 am: PM Modi will unfurl National flag from ramparts of the Red Fort to mark the 71st Independence Day. He will be received by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, Minister of State for defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra at Lahori Gate of Red Fort on his arrival.

6:30 am: Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the nation on the occasion. In a tweet he said, “Independence Day greetings to my fellow Indians. Jai Hind.” He also wished the citizens for Janmashtami.

#स्वतंत्रतादिवस के शुभ अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। जय हिन्द! Independence Day greetings to my fellow Indians. Jai Hind. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2017

6.10 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech is likely to begin at about 7.30 am, just after he unfurls the Tricolour at the Red Fort. As we said earlier, this is PM Modi’s fourth speech. For a quick read of what the PM spoke about during his earlier three speeches, click here.

6.00 am: It’s a pleasant Tuesday morning and the weather forecast doesn’t seem to indicate any rainfall during the day. So Prime Minister Modi’s speech and the ceremony at Red Fort should go on pretty smoothly. Remember, those who attend the ceremony are not allowed to take in umbrellas, so if caught even in a short spell of rain, you’re bound to get wet. But, well, we all know how wrong weather predictions have been in the past, so if you’re headed out today, please be prepared. We’ve seen many Independence Day celebrations blessed with showers!

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