Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a crowd of thousands at the Dussehra ceremony in Delhi, invoked the ancient concept of "Ram Rajya" and warned that any effort to tarnish India’s image would be treated as an enemy act. The speech, delivered as the effigy of the demon king Ravana was burned, combined religious symbolism with a call for political unity, a crackdown on forces deemed hostile, and a pledge that governance must deliver "justice for all".
Ram Rajya and the Dussehra narrative
Dussehra, a major Hindu festival that commemorates the defeat of evil, is traditionally used by Indian leaders to project themes of righteousness and national renewal. Modi framed the occasion as an opportunity to re‑envision "Ram Rajya" – a term historically associated with the rule of the mythic king Rama, now interpreted by the prime minister as a system of governance free from discrimination and ensuring equal justice. NDTV reported that the prime minister said, "Ram Rajya means justice for all" during his address.
Call for unity and security
Beyond the religious symbolism, Modi’s remarks carried a clear political message. He urged all political parties to set aside partisan rivalry and work together for the "national interest," a sentiment echoed across several outlets. The Week noted that he said, "All political parties should stand together for national interest." He also warned that "forces that harm the nation are enemies of the country," a phrase attributed to ThePrint. The prime minister called on citizens to "identify and defeat enemies of India," framing internal dissent and external criticism alike as threats to security.
"Forces that harm the nation are enemies of the country," Modi said, underscoring his view that any challenge to India's image must be confronted.
Modi’s emphasis on national security dovetailed with remarks from his senior cabinet colleague, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who earlier at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting rejected accusations of "double standards on terror," according to ABP Live English. The mention of Pakistan's foreign minister Ishaq Dar sitting across the table at the same meeting highlighted the broader geopolitical backdrop against which Modi framed his domestic appeal.
Political reactions and broader implications
The prime minister’s call for unity was met with mixed responses from opposition leaders. The Times of India quoted Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray describing the youth on the streets as "revolutionaries" and calling for "regime change," reflecting a stark contrast to Modi’s narrative of harmony. Meanwhile, other opposition figures have not publicly challenged the substance of the speech, but analysts note that the invocation of a religiously charged ideal may deepen existing communal fault lines.
International observers see the speech as a signal of how the Modi government intends to blend cultural nationalism with a hard‑line stance on security. By linking the mythic ideal of Ram Rajya with contemporary governance, the prime minister seeks to cement a narrative that blends moral authority with political legitimacy. Critics argue that such rhetoric could marginalize minority groups and stifle dissent, while supporters claim it reinforces social cohesion and national pride.
As India prepares for upcoming electoral contests and continues to navigate strained relations with neighboring Pakistan and China, the Dussehra address serves both as a domestic rallying cry and an outward message that any perceived affront to the country's image will be met with decisive action. The prime minister's blend of religious symbolism, calls for unity, and security warnings underscores a strategic effort to consolidate power while projecting an image of a strong, indivisible nation.
