Independence Day 2026 Highlights: Akhilesh Yadav vows to strengthen Constitution in I-Day speech

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, addressing an Independence Day gathering, vowed to strengthen the Constitution and said he was ready to make any sacrifice for it.

Yadav said farmers continue to face the biggest concerns even after decades of Independence. He also criticised the government over education, healthcare and policing, alleging that the systems were in poor condition.

He further criticised the BJP's nationalism, saying those who had never respected the Tricolour were now taking out rallies with it. Yadav said the BJP's nationalism was “one-coloured”, while his party's was “multi-coloured”.

On being asked about the full rendition of Vande Mataram at Congress' Independence Day celebrations, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said there was no controversy.

He said the Congress high command or party leader Jairam Ramesh would explain the party's approach on the matter.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech, saying India would need 12% annual growth for the next 20 years to achieve the Viksit Bharat goal, while the current growth rate is below 6%.

Reacting to Modi's announcement of AI training for 1 crore people, Shrinate said AI should be taught in schools instead of changing the school curriculum. She also criticised the government's foreign policy, alleging that the US was “riding on our head” and China had entered India.

Shrinate further said Modi had asked his followers not to say anything wrong about former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and included Nehru among the country's great leaders.

A student participating in the rally on a wheelchair said the protesters had been sitting in the protest for 12 days while the rest of the country was celebrating Tiranga Diwas.

The student said the government was not ready to fulfil their demands.

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying people have heard their statements over the past 12 years and no longer have faith in them.

Gehlot said Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's speech had exposed Modi's address and accused the government of doing only “marketing” instead of delivering on its promises. He said Kharge had conveyed to the country that people would no longer be misled by the government's words.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark on isolating “Dimaagi Naxals”, Congress leader Manoj Pande said the Prime Minister should not have made the statement.

Pande said people wanted to hear the government's report card on its last 12 years in office. He also alleged that AK-47 guns and pellet guns were used against students in Bihar.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary oversaw the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Gandhi Maidan in Patna.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hoisted the national flag at the party headquarters on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi, LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other leaders were present on the occasion.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hoisted the Tricolour at the Bombay High Court premises on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.

AIMIM President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi hoisted the national flag at the Mohammedia Cap Mart in Hyderabad on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoisted the national flag in Srinagar on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his absence from the House, questioning whether it was the right way to function in a democracy.

Kharge said the Opposition had raised the concerns of students and the injustice they faced in Parliament. He also questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement that he was listening to the proceedings from his chamber, saying elected representatives should come to Parliament rather than sit in a room.

Goa Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar collapsed while performing his duties during the 80th Independence Day programme in Panaji.

He was immediately taken to hospital for medical attention.

Both Leaders of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge skipped the Independence Day event at the Red Fort, citing improper protocol arrangements, sources said.

According to sources, the seating arrangements and line-up at the event were not in accordance with their positions.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the state government is designing programmes to prepare youth to compete on the global stage and announced several initiatives focused on AI education and school infrastructure.

He said AI education will be introduced from Class VI onwards in all schools across Karnataka. Free ‘Coding Gurukul’ classes will also be launched to provide students with opportunities to learn AI and coding skills.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech, Congress MP Jebi Mather said the occasion was a time to salute known and unknown leaders who sacrificed their lives for the country and reaffirm the commitment to protect the Constitution and its values.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hoisted the Tricolour at the Police Parade Ground in Raipur on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini hoisted the national flag in Hansi on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra extended Independence Day greetings to citizens and described the occasion as a celebration of India's collective courage, valour and values of truth and non-violence.

In a post on X, she said Independence Day celebrates the aspirations of millions of Indians and the democratic resolve that guarantees equality, justice and unity. She urged citizens to pledge to protect India's freedom, Constitution and its principles at all times.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended Independence Day greetings and said the occasion is even more special as Gen Alpha has now taken up the cause of demanding better school facilities.

In a post on X, Kejriwal said children across the country are demanding basic facilities such as desks, clean water, toilets and teachers in their schools. He said children have learned to fight for their rights and described this as “true freedom”.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended Independence Day greetings to citizens and said freedom is not just a gift from the freedom fighters but also a responsibility.

In a post on X, Gandhi said the responsibility is to follow the path of truth and non-violence, uphold the values of the Constitution and the Tricolour, and protect democracy at all times. He said he was proud that citizens, especially the youth, are united to protect these values.

RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat said India has attained independence and will remain independent, but the task of making the country prosperous, secure and affluent still lies ahead.

He said India must confront challenges without deviating from its core principles and work towards becoming ‘Vishwaguru’, a nation that makes a meaningful contribution to humanity.

KPCC President BK Hariprasad hoisted the national flag at the Congress office in Bengaluru on the occasion of Independence Day. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar was also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi waved to and shook hands with youth gathered at the Red Fort before leaving the venue after the Independence Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is a strong contender to host the 2036 Olympics. He said a nationwide talent hunt would be launched to identify sporting prospects in the 5-15 age group and ensure greater participation in the mega event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged youngsters to actively participate in the ongoing Census exercise and help provide correct information about their families digitally to make the process error-free.

PM said India needs the help of its youth, urging them to assume leadership and spare time for the Census process. Modi also appealed to every citizen to join hands in the effort to make India a developed nation by 2047.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said 33% reservation for women is the “call of the hour” and appealed to all political parties to support the move.

PM urged political parties to work together to ensure reservations for women in state assemblies and Parliament, and called for greater respect for women’s power.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, said there is a need to isolate “dimaagi Naxals”.

He also said India is prepared to face challenges both within its borders and across them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort, said India is moving forward by relying on its own strength and highlighted the government's support for farmers amid global crises.

Modi said urea costs around Rs 3,000 per sack in the global market, but Indian farmers are provided the fertiliser for Rs 300 per sack. He added that while the global market price of DAP has reached Rs 5,000, it continues to be provided to Indian farmers at Rs 1,350.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India should aim to compete in every sporting event at the 2036 Olympics.

PM announced that a nationwide talent hunt will be launched to identify children with sporting potential and provide them with the best training and support to prepare for the Games.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for setting ambitious targets to strengthen India's position globally.

PM Modi said India should aim to have 50 companies among the Fortune 500 in the coming decade. He also said at least one Indian bank should be among the world's top five banks and at least one Indian pharmaceutical company should feature among the world's five largest pharmaceutical companies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced free online coaching for young as part of his Independence Day address.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an AI training scheme aimed at providing training to 1 crore youth in one year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, said India has a stable political mandate, a stable government, a vibrant democracy, a strong judicial system and a Constitution that guides the country.

Highlighting recent trade agreements, Modi said they provide a great opportunity for India and urged the country's MSMEs not to miss it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced seven key focus areas for India's development, describing them as “Shakti ki Sapt Dhara”, from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

The seven areas are manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, Gati-Shakti, Raksha Shakti, the green and blue economy, and India's soft power.

PM Modi said manufacturing must focus on competitive costs, quality and scale to meet global standards. He called for making Indian agriculture and food processing products global brands and stressed the need to focus on digital and communication technologies.

He also highlighted fast and seamless connectivity under Gati-Shakti, next-generation defence technologies including drones and supersonic technology under Raksha Shakti, and India's vast resources in the green and blue economy.

On soft power, PM Modi highlighted Yoga, Ayurveda, holistic health, creative resources and tourism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to implement a seven-point reform agenda which he termed as 'Saptdhara' to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, said reforms are a conviction for his government and not a compulsion or a buzzword.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort, said India gained independence with many dreams but failed to pick up pace for several years due to an attitude of “hoti hai”, “chalti hai”, “ho jaega” and “dekha jaega”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is moving forward on harnessing alternative sources of energy. He said the country has set a target of 200 GW of nuclear energy and is setting up five new nuclear reactors.

PM Modi also said piped gas is now reaching 1.75 crore households, while more than 50 lakh households across the country are covered by solar energy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India must not remain dependent on other countries and must strengthen its capabilities to protect its national interests.

Calling for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, PM Modi said the country is moving forward with the resolve of self-reliance. PM also said every Indian is connected with the Make in India, Swadeshi and Vocal for Local movements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India had earlier restricted exploration for oil and natural gas in 98% of its offshore areas.

PM said the government has now changed this approach and opened up offshore areas for exploration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has crossed an important milestone this year by mastering fast breeder nuclear technology, describing it as a major step towards becoming self-reliant in nuclear fuel.

PM said countries do not always stop because of a lack of resources, but often because of limitations in thinking. PM Modi added that when thinking becomes confined by limitations, people fail to recognise their own capabilities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, said India has turned “no-go areas” into “go-ahead areas” and stressed the need to strengthen the country’s energy security.

PM also called for more nuclear power plants as part of India’s efforts to secure its energy needs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, saluted the efforts of citizens across the country in taking India to new heights over the past 12 years.

PM acknowledged the contributions of people from different sections of society, including Dalits, marginalised communities, tribals, rural and urban residents, the poor, middle class, youth, elderly, women and men from across the country.

On the 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's growth over the last 12 years, saying defence production has increased four times, Khadi and Gramodyog production five times and electronic manufacturing seven times.

PM also said mobile phone production has increased by 33% and digital transactions have grown by 100%.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the world will be forced to look at India differently when the world's most populous country becomes a developed nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has picked up a new pace of development over the last 12 years, with the country's progress driven by the resolve and capabilities of its 140 crore citizens.

Citing the growth achieved during this period, PM Modi said defence production has increased nearly fourfold, khadi and village industries production nearly fivefold, and electronics manufacturing nearly sevenfold. He added that the production of modern railway coaches has increased 21 times, while mobile phone production has risen 33 times.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was a historic moment as Vande Mataram was being heard at the Red Fort for the first time on August 15 since Independence.

Modi said the occasion was even more significant as the country is celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, expressed solidarity with families affected by floods and landslides in parts of the country.

The PM said the government and the entire country stand with the affected families and assured them of support during the difficult time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, said India was once counted among the Fragile Five economies but is now the fastest-growing economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, said a nation becomes great and achieves its goals when it moves forward on the strength of its dreams, resolve and capabilities.

He urged citizens to stop pursuing small dreams and instead dream big, saying bigger dreams expand people's thinking and broaden their vision. Modi also called for stronger resolve, saying a firm determination helps a nation find its way through difficulties and disasters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on the 80th Independence Day from the Red Fort, urged citizens to "dream big" and "pledge big" as India moves towards its vision of a developed nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his Independence Day speech that Vande Mataram was echoing from the Red Fort for the first time after Independence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Guard of Honour as he arrived at the Red Fort to lead the 80th Independence Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached the Red Fort in Delhi for the 80th Independence Day celebrations.

The PM is received by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh The Defence Secretary introduces the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, Lieutenant General Rajesh Sethi to the Prime Minister

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended Independence Day greetings to the people of India and hailed the strengthening of ties between the two countries under the partnership between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy hoisted the tricolour at his residence on the occasion of Independence Day.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended Independence Day greetings to the citizens and paid his deepest respects to the brave warriors who dedicated themselves to India's freedom.

In a post on X, Shah said, "Heartfelt Independence Day greetings to all fellow citizens of the country." He paid tribute to those who fought for the freedom of "Mother India" and urged citizens to resolve to accelerate the construction of a developed, prosperous and self-reliant India.

The 80th Independence Day celebrations will highlight the role of ‘Yuva Shakti’ in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Around 5,000 special guests from different walks of life have been invited to witness the celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort this year.

On arrival at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive a ceremonial welcome before proceeding to the Saluting Base. A combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard will present the General Salute, followed by the Prime Minister’s inspection of the Guard of Honour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on Independence Day, remembering the freedom fighters whose “courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment” helped end colonial rule. He said their dreams continue to inspire the country as it works towards building a “Viksit Bharat”.

PM Modi said India, “powered by 140 crore Indians”, is scaling new heights of progress across sectors and expressed hope that the journey would continue “at an even greater pace” in the years ahead.

This year’s Independence Day celebrations will commemorate 150 years of the enduring legacy of Vande Mataram. For the first time, the National Song will be rendered during the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort.

The Red Fort will host the nation’s main Independence Day ceremony as India marks its 80th Independence Day. This year’s celebrations will focus on Vande Mataram and the role of Yuva Shakti in shaping India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 80th Independence Day celebrations from the historic Red Fort in Delhi on August 15. The ceremony will bring together military personnel, police contingents, NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers.