New Delhi, Aug 15 (UNI) In his first Independence-day address to the nation after forming government for a third successive term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday pushed for implementation of proposals like a “Uniform Civil Code” and “One-Nation, One-Poll”, highlighted women safety and asserted his government’s resolve to take tough decisions and initiate reforms to make “Viksit Bharat 2047” a reality.

“The Supreme Court has held discussions regarding UCC again and again, it has given orders several times. A large section of the country believes – and it is true, the Civil Code that we are living with is actually a Communal Civil Code in a way… I would say that it is the need of the hour that there be a Secular Civil Code in the country, only then we would be free of discrimination on the basis of religion.”

Delivering his longest ever Independence Day speech of 98 minutes from the ramparts of Red Fort, PM Modi also warned against heinous crimes against women. In the wake of recent gang-rape in the medical college in West Bengal, he asked the state government to give the most stringent punishment to the culprits. “I call upon the state governments to take tough action against the culprits in rape cases… there is a need to create fear among the criminals for such crimes.”

On ruling BJP’s agenda for implementing “One-Nation, One-Poll”, he called upon all political parties and Constitutional experts to come forward and deliberate on the issue. Elections again and again put hinderance in the path of development. Extensive and widespread discussion has taken place in this direction and we must work on it with sincerity,

On India’s 78th Independence day, the Prime minister presented a “blue print” for “Viksit Bharat 2047”, saying the government has the political will to take tough decisions and reforms to make this a reality.

“Viksit Bharat 2047 are not mere words. This is not for an intellectual debate, it is a reflection of the resolve and dream of 140 crore Indians,” Modi said while speaking on a gamut of issues ranging from political and economic reforms, foreign policy and infusing young blood in politics.

Our government is committed to taking up big reforms, he said, adding, “Since my re-election for a third term, a majority of people seeking to meet me are big investors. They are keen to invest in India. I urge all states to establish clear, investor-friendly policies and ensure a strong commitment to good governance, transparency, and robust law and order.”

States must compete among themselves to bring investments and ensure that all these big investors who come to India never go back.

Modi’s first Independence Day address of his third term takes him past the record of Manmohan Singh, who unfurled the tricolour 10 times from the ramparts of Red Fort during 2004-2014. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi did the honours for 17 and 16 times, respectively.

Taking a dig at “dynastic politics”, Modi called upon youth to come forward and contribute to nation building and be a part of Viksit Bharat 2047.

“I call upon to bring one lakh youth into the political system, specifically those with no history of politics in their families. This initiative is aimed at fighting the evils of nepotism and casteism and inducting fresh blood into India's polity,” Modi said.

“We want to infuse fresh blood in politics so that we get rid of dynastic politics or politics of caste,” he added.

Modi started his address by paying rich tributes to the countless people who made sacrifices and struggled for the country's freedom. "The country is indebted to them," he said.

He expressed concern over rising number of natural calamities and their impact on people. The surge in cases of such disasters is a matter of concern, he said and paid condolences to families who lost loved ones in disasters.

Expressing concern over recent development in the neighborhood Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said India hopes situation there will be normal very soon and India will always be there with the development journey of Bangladesh. “India’s concern is to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. India is committed towards the policy of peace and we always want our neighboring countries to walk the path of prosperity and peace.”

PM Modi ended his 90-minute long address to the nation by saying in his third term he will work three-times more and assured the nation stating, “We shall work 24x7 to make Viksit Bharat by 2047 a reality.”

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