New Delhi, October 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Azad Hind government formed by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Indian National Army (INA) veteran RS Chhikara was also present at the event. On October 21, 1943, Bose had announced the formation of the country's first independent government which was called the Azad Hind government. PM Modi hailed Netaji for his contribution to the freedom struggle.

As per reports, the Modi government decided to hoist the national flag at Red Fort as it is the same place where trials were carried out against the soldiers of the Indian National Army (INA) by the British. The Prime Minister on Wednesday while interacting with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers through video-conference announced the decision of his government.

Highlights of PM’s speech

  • Hailing the efforts of Subhash Chandra Bose in the freedom struggle, the PM said, “Netaji had promised an India where everyone has equal rights and equal opportunities. He had promised a prosperous nation which was proud of its traditions, development in all areas. He had promised to uproot 'divide & rule'. Even after so many years, those dreams remain unfulfilled.”

  • PM Modi invokes surgical strikes carried out by the indian Army in 2016 in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir during his speech. The Prime Minister said, “In last 4 years, several measures were taken to strengthen the defence. Best technologies were brought to the defence. This government has the strength to make big and tough decisions, it'll continue. Be it the surgical strike or making the files of Netaji public, the decision was taken by our government.”

  • During his speech, the Prime Minister also launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the Nehru family. He said that he was hurt the way only one family was glorified all these years and due to this, freedom fighters like Netaji, Br Ambedkar and Sardar Patel were ignored.

  • The Prime Minister also said that his government had fulfilled the promise of One Rank One Pension which ignored by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

  • PM Modi at the event said that ‘Swaraj’ was attained after lakhs of sacrifices. He further added, “It is our responsibility to maintain this 'Swaraj' with 'Suraaj.'

Earlier in the day, The Prime Minister dedicated National Police Memorial (NPM) to the nation on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day. The memorial is a tribute to police personnel who sacrificed their lives while on duty since independence. PM Modi lauded the efforts of police personnel in maintaining peace in the country. He also inaugurated the museum dedicated to the Indian police.

The Prime Minister also honoured the survivors of the Hot Spring Incident at the event. As per the official statement, the 30-ft monolith erected on 6.12 acres in Chanakyapuri. The memorial represents all state and union territories' police forces as well as central police organisations of the country.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2018 11:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).