PM Modi targets Gen Z with AI skilling, free coaching at Independence Day speech; 'mental naxalism' remark stokes BJP-Congress row
Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused his Independence Day address on August 15, 2026, at the Red Fort on the nation's youth, mentioning them 52 times in a 75-minute speech. He announced free online coaching for competitive exam aspirants through digital public infrastructure, and a government target to skill 1 crore youth in artificial intelligence within a year. Modi also announced India's ambition to participate in at least 75 per cent of sports events at the 2036 Olympics and declared two major decisions on sports and internal security.
Modi's remark on 'mental naxalism' (diimagee naxal) triggered political controversy, with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge absent from the Red Fort event. The comment reignited the BJP-Congress debate over ideology and national discourse.
