73rd Independence Day: Article 370 is history, India now talking about one nation, one election: PM in I-Day address

With the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the spirit of "One Nation, One Constitution" has become a reality, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday while slamming Congress and other opposition parties for making a hue and cry over the issue.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on 73rd Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi asked them if the issue was so "life-changing", then why the previous governments did not make the special status to the troubled state a "permanent" arrangement.

Watch: PM Modi's address to the nation on 73rd Independence Day

Addressing the nation on Independence Day. Watch. https://t.co/V6cCfmRPRx

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2019

"If this was so important or life-changing, why was this Article not made permanent? Why did you let it remain temporary? After all, those people had huge mandates and could have easily removed its temporary status of Article 370," he said.

The Prime Minister said that within 10 weeks of returning to power, his government took key decisions including passing bills on the abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir, ban on the practice of Triple Talaq and anti-terror laws to fulfill the aspirations of the people.

"During the difficult times of independence, people like Sardar Vallabhai Patel took very tough and valiant decisions. But because of Article 370, there emerged problems. Repealing of Article 370 and Article 35A was a step towards fulfilling Sardar Patel's dream of a strong and united India. The spirit of 'One Nation, One Constitution' has become a reality and India is proud of that," he said. (Photo: AFP)

Extending his greeting on the occasion of nation's 73rd Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took it to Twitter and wished "Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Indians. Jai Hind!"

Listen to PM Modi's Independence Day speech Live:

Addressing the nation on Independence Day. Watch. https://t.co/V6cCfmRPRx

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2019

Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation on 73rd Independence Day from the iconic Red Fort in the national capital on Thursday. He unfurled the National Flag and delivered the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the monument.

On his arrival at the Lahore Gate of Red Fort, the Prime Minister was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Shripad Naik and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra.

To mark what was his sixth consecutive address to the nation, 3,500 girl students drawn from 41 government schools in the national capital, 5,000 boys and 700 NCC cadets of 17 schools displayed 'strength in unity' by the formation of words — 'Naya Bharat' (New India).

Visitors, performers and jawans gather at the Red Fort ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day celebrations. 

Delhi: Visitors, performers and jawans gather at the Red Fort ahead of #IndependenceDay celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation shortly, from here. pic.twitter.com/qQvu7mpreP

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019