PM Modi bats for 'minimum government' involvement in people's lives on Independence Day

In his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of Red Fort, the Prime Minister referred to his government's consistent efforts to do away with unnecessary laws and said more works will be done in that direction.

"I always thought on this line. Today, I am sharing with you all....can we not reduce the interference of Governments in people's lives? Let our people have the freedom to follow their own aspirations. That is what is meant by liberation.," Modi said at the solemn function being attended among others by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman and Dr S Jaishankar.

Highlighting various works carried out by his government in less than 70 days since he assumed power yet again after the recent polls, the Prime Minister said now there should be a national debate should be held on one-nation and one-election.

In reference to abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35-A from Jammu and Kashmir, he said now the people are rejoicing over the fact that after a long time, the country has reached a stage to cheer about 'one nation, one constitution'.

"Jo kaam sattar saal mein nahi hua (What did not happen in 70 years has been done in less than 70 days)," he said. "Aapne jo kaam diya, mein usi ko karne ke liye aya hoo (I am here to do my job according to the wishes of the people)," the Prime Minister said.

"It has been less than ten weeks since the new Government was formed but several path-breaking decisions have been taken by our government. This includes decisions for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, the end of Triple Talaq and numerous steps for the welfare of farmers and traders," Modi said.

"Revocation of the Article 370 and 35-A is a step towards realizing the dream of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel," he said.

He took a potshot at those who are opposing the government's decision on Article 370 and said, "Those who supported Article 370, India is asking them, - If this was so important and life changing, why was this Article not made a permanent feature. After all, those people had large mandates and could have removed the temporary status of Article 370".

He said the political stability in the country should be made use of and this can be utilised to augment foreign investment.

"This is a government which has pushed growth graph and also controlled inflation," the Prime Minister said.

"Today, the Government in India is stable, policy regime is predictable and the world is eager to explore trade ties with India," Modi said.

Earlier on his arrival at the Red Fort premises, the Prime Minister hoisted the national flag.

Attired in a white kurta-pyjama and a colourful turban, the Prime Minister inspected the Guard of Honour.

Modi also paid homage to the Father of the Nation - Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

In his address, the Prime Minister said, "Today, when we are marking Independence Day, many of our citizens are suffering due to floods in various parts of the country. We stand in solidarity with those who are affected by the floods."

"India understands the important of water conservation and thus, a new ministry for Jal Shakti has been created. Steps have been taken to make the medical sector even more people friendly," he said.