Congress Lawmaker Manoj Pande Criticises Modi for Raising ‘Naxalism’ in Independence Day Speech

New Delhi – On August 15, while delivering his 80th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced the term “Naxalism” in a bid to frame certain domestic unrest. Congress leader Manoj Pande took to the podium moments later to challenge the Prime Minister, arguing that the reference was a distraction rather than a solution to the country’s pressing issues.

Pande asserted that the Prime Minister’s speech failed to tackle core concerns such as unemployment, inflation and rural distress, and that invoking “Naxalism” merely served to mislead the public. He warned that repeatedly resorting to security‑related rhetoric could erode confidence in democratic processes and divert attention from socio‑economic challenges that many Indians, including the diaspora, closely follow.

The exchange underscores a broader political debate ahead of upcoming elections, as opposition parties seek to hold the government accountable for policy gaps while the ruling party emphasizes law‑and‑order narratives. For South‑Asian communities abroad, the dialogue reflects ongoing concerns over India’s internal stability and the impact of domestic policies on overseas families and businesses.