New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag from the Red Fort on Thursday (August 15) for the 11th consecutive time. With this, he becomes only the third Prime Minister, after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, to give an Independence Day speech eleven times in a row.
This speech is especially notable as it is his first address on Independence Day during his third term. With this, Modi will surpass former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who hoisted the flag ten times from 2004 to 2014. However, Modi is still behind Nehru and Gandhi, who each hoisted the flag 17 and 16 times, respectively.
PM Modi’s Independence Day 2024 Speech: Focus On ‘Viksit Bharat’
This yearly event is both symbolic and practical, as the Prime Minister uses it to outline the government’s plans, showcase achievements, and discuss key national and international issues. This year, PM Modi’s address is expected to focus on the theme of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ which highlights the government’s vision for India’s future.
There is also speculation that he may discuss the crisis in Bangladesh, especially the persecution of minority Hindus. This issue has attracted significant attention from Hindutva groups, who have protested and voiced their concerns, making it likely that the Prime Minister will mention it in his speech.
People will be watching closely to see if the Prime Minister announces any new initiatives or expands existing welfare programs, especially with a united opposition offering populist promises to gain support.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a new record for the longest Independence Day speeches, with an average length of 82 minutes, longer than any other Indian Prime Minister. The closest competitor is former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral, whose average speech duration was 71 minutes, based on his single address in 1997.
PM Modi’s Independence Day speeches have varied in length, with his shortest being 55 minutes in 2017 and his longest lasting 94 minutes in 2016. Records show that speech durations have generally increased over the decades. Jawaharlal Nehru’s first address in 1947 was only 24 minutes long, while Indira Gandhi held the previous record for the longest speech, which was 54 minutes in 1972.
Also Read: Independence Day LIVE: PM Modi Reaches Red Fort, To Unfurl National Flag
