Independence Day speech shows PM Modi's 'New India' has no place for inconvenient truths

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the Red Fort to celebrate the 71st Independence Day, his mannerism and attire were typical - from his turban to the kurta, his walk on the red carpet to photo session with children.

This was his fourth address as the PM. There are a lot of things which have changed in the country, but ignored and bypassed in the speech this time. Some subjects were missing from the report card, some ignored as if they never existed.

His speech in the past three years has graduated from his vision for the nation to achievements, and now to his justifications. The address to the nation has now become the address of convenience - the convenience of the man, his government and the party. The inconvenience to many, of course, remained unattended.

There are many issues and incidents people have suffered in the recent days. They were waiting to hear a word of consolation from the PM. Be it the families of the victims of mob lynching or the mothers of the children who died waiting for oxygen. The PM spared a short sentence for these children, but it was diluted with the mention of natural disasters and mishaps in other states.

The small vendors and the business community were waiting for the PM to say a few words on the post-GST complications. But nothing other than the achievements was uttered.

At a time when non-BJP ruled states are complaining about non-cooperation and political vendetta, PM Modi told the nation how “effectively” and “properly” cooperative federalism was “implemented” and “honoured”.

Before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Modi was challenging Pakistan on border security and terrorism. In his last year's speech from the Red Fort, the PM flashed the Baloch card against Pakistan "if it will not stop its anti-India activities". However, this time Modi didn’t even mention Pakistan in his speech. He very smartly mentioned the surgical strike, told that India is secure and ignored the incidents of recent terrorist attacks and infiltration bids.

The nation has been witnessing the ongoing stand-off between India and China in TV newsrooms. The situation on the borders is said to be tense. But Modi preferred not to speak a word about it.

He talked about the happiness of the farmers and government loans for youths who want to start businesses. But the cases of farmers’ suicide and the promise of 20 million jobs every year were swept under the carpet. 

What the PM focused upon were issues such as triple talaq, the "achievements" of demonetisation and some of his schemes.

He described in details what has been "achieved" through demonetisation. He appreciated the fight and struggle of Muslim women over the issue of triple talaq. The issue, which is in the court and out of active debates for past few weeks, was once again stirred by the PM today. This will help divide the minority households and help the BJP gain more support among Muslim women.

The PM said that violence in the name of faith and religion will not be tolerated. However, instead of talking about mob lynchings by gau rakshaks and violence by kanwarias, he diverted it to the incidents where people had burnt hospitals following their disappointment with doctors and treatment provided by them. He also mentioned about people damaging public property.

The PM sang success stories of his government in his speech including "achievements" in the IT sector, "recovery" of black money, electricity to villages and gas connections to the poor. India is Modi’s favourite word. From his first speech as PM to today’s address, "India" appeared in abundance - Make in India, Start-up India, Digital India and the latest one is New India.

The focus of this 55-minute speech was Kashmir. He said instead of "Gaali and Goli, Gale Laga Ke Kashmir Ka Samadhan Hoga". These words are said at a time when the separatists in the state are facing strict action by the government, their fundings being scrutinised, their connections with the militants under scanner and an Operation All Out is going on in the Valley.

The intention is more to isolate the separatists and at the same time show a kind heart to the Kashmiris. However, the two crucial topics - Articles 370 and 35A were again left untouched.

In these four speeches, one can easily see the shift from an aggressive winner to a face-saving PM. A prime minister who interacts less with the people and avoids press interactions. 

Independence Day speeches are moments people wait for to understand a PM's plans for the nation and get a sense of his achievements. After all, Modi had promised to produce a report card annually. 

The only relief this time though was a shorter speech, the content was disappointing nevertheless.

Also read: Independence Day sales: Slap in the face of India