Modi’s speech, delivered from the ramparts of the Red Fort, was focused on security concerns and national unity. He made particular reference to the rise of "infiltrators" posing a danger to the nation’s stability. The remarks came amid ongoing concerns over national security, with the Prime Minister's rhetoric highlighting the growing need for vigilance in securing the borders and addressing internal unrest.
The TMC, led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, swiftly responded to the speech, labelling the comments as politically motivated. In a statement, the party expressed strong disapproval, accusing Modi of using divisive rhetoric to create a "new enemy" in the form of protestors. "These statements are nothing but an attempt to undermine the legitimate concerns of people who are exercising their democratic rights. Such rhetoric is dangerous and only seeks to deepen divisions," a senior TMC leader said.
The controversy surrounding Modi’s Independence Day speech intensified with Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose demanding the Prime Minister address his own government’s record over the last 11 years. Ghose, a prominent political commentator and author, accused the government of "under-achieving" in key areas, despite having held power for over a decade. She pointed to persistent issues such as unemployment, economic stagnation, and the handling of social unrest, arguing that the government's focus should shift from creating new threats to addressing long-standing problems.
This sharp critique comes at a time when Modi's leadership has been under scrutiny, particularly in the context of national security. The Prime Minister’s statements regarding "andolanjeevis" were seen by many as an indirect reference to widespread protests against various government policies, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act and the farm laws, both of which led to large-scale demonstrations across the country. These protests, which have often seen considerable participation from opposition parties, have become a central issue in the political discourse, with the government accusing the opposition of stoking unrest.
Political analysts have noted that Modi’s references to "andolanjeevis" and the rhetoric surrounding "infiltrators" could be seen as part of a broader strategy to consolidate his base ahead of upcoming elections. In a country where national security is a sensitive and emotive issue, invoking the threat of foreign infiltrators and internal dissent often plays well with certain sections of the electorate. However, critics argue that this strategy is also aimed at deflecting attention from the government's handling of internal issues, particularly the economic challenges facing the country.
West Bengal, which has witnessed frequent clashes between TMC supporters and BJP activists, has become a flashpoint for these national security discussions. The BJP has made significant inroads into the state, while the TMC continues to resist what it sees as an encroachment on its political turf. In this context, Modi's speech and the subsequent criticism from the TMC highlight the growing polarisation between the ruling party at the Centre and the opposition in states like West Bengal.
The accusation of "under-achievement" levelled against the government by Ghose and other critics also reflects broader concerns about the Prime Minister’s governance. While Modi’s administration has been credited with major infrastructure projects and foreign policy successes, many argue that key domestic issues have been neglected. Critics claim that the government has struggled to deliver on promises related to job creation, rural development, and healthcare, which remain pressing concerns for a large section of the population.