PM Modi urges political consensus on women's quota, warns against 'ideological Naxals' in I-Day speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Saturday (August 15, 2026), called on all political parties to support the implementation of women's reservation in Parliament and state assemblies without turning it into a political contest. The appeal comes months after a constitution amendment bill linked to delimitation was defeated in Parliament in April, making the issue a flashpoint between the government and the opposition.

“Standing here today beneath the tricolour, I appeal to and urge all political parties: come and venerate the women power,” Mr. Modi said. He asked parties to ensure that women secure 33 per cent representation in the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies as soon as possible. “You may take the credit, you may claim the accolades, but please grant our mothers and sisters their due rights,” he added, noting that the matter had remained stuck for 40 years due to political wrangling.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the elimination of Maoist insurgency, but cautioned against complacency. “We have succeeded in eliminating armed Naxals in the forests and freeing the nation from that crisis. However, while the armed Naxals are gone, 'dimagi Naxals' (ideological Naxals) are still lurking around,” he said, urging citizens to identify and isolate those who harboured such a mindset. He described them as individuals who employ various tactics to drag society down the wrong path.

In his 75-minute speech, Mr. Modi outlined key sectors to drive India towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. He listed multiple priority areas, including manufacturing, power, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, infrastructure (gatishakti), defence power, green and blue economy, and soft power. He stressed the need for self-reliance in defence, calling for India to become a global hub for defence manufacturing with emphasis on hypersonic technology and drone systems.

On education, the Prime Minister announced free online coaching for competitive examinations, saying that private coaching had become a financial burden for poor and middle-class families. “Our young people should be able to stay close to their families and avoid placing an additional financial burden on them,” he said.

Mr. Modi also expressed confidence in India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics and announced a nationwide talent hunt for athletes aged 5 to 15 to strengthen the country's presence in the mega event. He called for expanding into sports disciplines where India has not yet qualified.

Highlighting economic progress, he said India had transformed from one of the 'Fragile Five' economies to the world's fastest-growing major economy over the past 12 years. However, he warned that the weaponisation of resources and strategic sea routes by some countries posed risks to India's economic security, stressing the need for greater strategic autonomy.

The address covered a wide range of themes, but the central message was one of unity and national development, with repeated appeals to put aside political differences for the greater good. The Prime Minister's comments on women's reservation and his warning against 'ideological Naxals' are likely to generate reactions from political parties in the coming days.