On August 15, 2025, during his 79th Independence Day speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi openly addressed an issue that previous leaders rarely spoke about in public — demographic change in India. For decades, the topic had been avoided or discussed only behind closed doors, with many political leaders worried that speaking openly might upset certain communities.
PM Modi not only mentioned the matter but announced that his government would take strong action to counter what he called a “systematically planned demographic takeover” and “deliberate infiltration.” He revealed that a “high-powered Demography Mission” would be launched, although details of its structure and plans are yet to be shared.
This marks a significant shift in the way India’s top leadership is speaking about the country’s demographic future. Modi’s remarks suggest that the government sees population-related strategies — both within and outside India — as key to the nation’s destiny, and that it intends to respond with coordinated, large-scale action.
In recent months, there have been signs that the government and several BJP-led states were already preparing for stronger measures against demographic changes caused by illegal migration, religious conversions, and other activities.
Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier hinted at a “determined pushback.” This was followed by a special revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls, in which about 65 lakh fake, duplicate, or deceased voter names were removed.
State governments have also been active. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been leading a major drive to clear government and forest lands from what he describes as “infiltrator-occupied” settlements. Uttarakhand passed a strict anti-conversion law, while Uttar Pradesh’s Yogi Adityanath government has been breaking up alleged “love jihad” and illegal conversion networks. Gujarat has been among the first to detect, detain, and deport undocumented migrants, while Maharashtra and Delhi have taken similar steps.
Other states — including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha — have been monitoring missionary activity closely to prevent what they call “deceitful conversions.” In Andhra Pradesh, the government has been working to transfer the management of Hindu temples back to Hindu authorities, reversing a trend that had started under the previous administration.
Efforts are also visible in regions like Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan, where Pakistani-origin families who have been living illegally for decades, and enjoying government benefits, have been identified and detained.
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Modi’s remarks at the Red Fort put these state-level actions into a national context. By making this a central point of his Independence Day address, he has sent a clear signal that demographic security will be one of the main themes of his third term as Prime Minister.
The issue, according to Modi and his supporters, is not just about population numbers but also about the cultural, religious, and political balance of India. They argue that unchecked illegal migration, forced or deceitful religious conversions, and politically motivated demographic shifts threaten the long-term unity and stability of the country.
The response will not be limited to speeches. Shortly after Modi’s address, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) teams reportedly began discussing ways to support the Demography Mission. Planning is taking place at both local and national levels, with blueprints being prepared for community outreach, awareness campaigns, and legal action.
Opposition leaders, especially in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, have reacted with concern. They claim that such measures could be used to target minorities unfairly. However, BJP leaders argue that the focus is on national security and fairness in governance, not on targeting any community based on religion.
Observers believe that the debate over demographic change will shape political campaigns and policies in the years ahead — possibly until the 2029 elections and beyond. It could become one of the defining issues of Indian politics, alongside economic growth, security, and social welfare.
For Modi’s government, the pushback against demographic shifts appears to be part of a larger plan to secure what it sees as India’s civilisational identity. Supporters say this approach is about protecting the country’s long-term interests, while critics worry it could deepen divisions.
What is certain is that the Independence Day speech has moved the topic from the margins to the centre of national debate. By openly naming the issue from one of the most symbolic platforms in the country, Modi has ensured that the question of India’s demographic future will remain in the spotlight for years to come.
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