New Delhi, Aug 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed his government's decision to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, saying that it was a step towards realising the dream of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 73rd Independence Day, Modi said: "The government is yet to complete 10 weeks and we have provided speed to the development programme. We did not wait even a day to start our work.
"In this short span of time, we have taken important steps in every sector. Article 370 and 35A being revoked from Jammu and Kashmir is a step towards realising the dream of Sardar Patel."
He said the work which was pending for the last 70 years was accomplished in less than 70 days under his government.
Previous governments made efforts in the past 70 years to deal with Kashmir, but it did not bear results, he said, adding "a new approach was needed".
"Our government does not delay decisions. We neither nurse problems nor keep them pending," he said while referring to Article 370.
"If Article 370 was so important and life changing, why was this Article not made permanent? After all, those people had large mandates and could have removed the temporary status of Article 370. Those who supported Article 370, India is asking them," PM Modi said in his speech.
"The spirit of one nation, one Constitution has become a reality now. And India is proud of it," he said.
He added that his government had taken important steps to end triple talaq, for the welfare of farmers and traders and also to make the medical sector even more people friendly.
Talking about water conservation, the Prime Minister said: "India understands the importance of water conservation and thus, a new Ministry for 'Jal Shakti' has been created."
He also paid tribute to the those who laid their lives for the independence of the nation.
"There were many who laid their lives for the nation. Many were hanged to death for our freedom. Today I remember all of them. Today, for the development of our free India, everybody who has contributed to this, I remember all of them."
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