Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on 15th August 2025 from the ramparts of the historical Red Fort has been severely criticised from various quarters. The Opposition leaders have questioned the propriety of his showering of praises on RSS as the greatest NGO of the world whose “contributions mark proud and golden chapter” in India’s nation building history.
However, it has been pointed out that RSS made no contribution to the India freedom struggle against the British rule in India. It has been reminded that the Ironman of India, Sardar Patel had banned the RSS after the murder of Mahatma Gandhi. It has also been flagged that RSS had a hand in the murder of Gandhiji and celebrated his murder. Besides, the involvement of the organisation in several communal riots is also well-documented and confirmed by several enquiry commissions.
It is but natural that the former “pracharak” has a soft corner for the mother organisation which nurtured the present ruling party. Further, it has been pointed out that the Sangh is against the basic concepts of secularism and democracy which have been endorsed by our Constitution.
PM Modi once again raised the bogey of illegal immigration orchestrated and promoted by “vested interests,” which he alleged is aimed to harm the integrity of the country by changing the demography of India. This reminds us of Modi’s election speech in Jharkhand that “they will take your ‘roti’, abduct your ‘beti’ and capture your ‘dharti’.” These words bring to light the disturbing thoughts of the country’s highest political leader and the most powerful functionary of the country.
At this critical hour when the “stealing of votes” is being discussed all over the country and “cote chor” slogans are being raised far and wide, this statement appears to be self-destructive for the BJP. It may be asked if there is a conspiracy of “demographic change”, what has the ruling party has done to stop it during its 11-year rule? That the controversy is depriving 65 lakh voters in Bihar is the talk of the town. Why no voter has been debarred for being an illegal migrant. It does not behove the Prime Minister of a great country like India to tell a falsehood and stoop down to so low levels.
Why the PM indulged in such extremely irresponsible narrative on the august national function of the nation shows the troubled waters he finds himself in.
There was one bright note in Modi’s speech. It was about bringing GST to 5% on common needs and restricting the higher limit to 18%. As usual several promises were made about progress in Indian economy. The circumstances indicate that the present government may be on the way out and counting its days, how far the promises and assurances will enthuse the electorate is to be seen in near future.
In spite of our long wait for “Achche Din” we greet fellow Indian citizens for the one bright Achcha Din of remembering our Best Din of 15th August 1947, when we broke the chains of foreign bonds and became a free, independent and self-reliant nation.