States across the country will mark the day with their flag-hoisting ceremonies. In Delhi, a row broke out over who will hoist the flag for the UT’s ceremony, while in Tamil Nadu, the ruling DMK said it will boycott the governor’s Independence Day tea party
In politics, perception often outweighs reality.
Lakshmana Sen
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi to mark the 78th Independence Day on Thursday. Modi is delivering his 11th Independence Day speech, his first since beginning his third tenure as PM.
With his 11th Independence Day speech, Modi will surpass former PM Manmohan Singh’s 10 speeches. Only Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who delivered 17 and 16 speeches respectively, are ahead of Modi.
In the centrepiece annual event, the PM is expected to lay out his government’s agenda, present its report card, make important policy and programme announcements and speak on major national issues.
The theme of ‘Viksit Bharat’ is likely to feature in Modi’s speech, as are mentions of his government’s mandate for a third consecutive term following the Lok Sabha polls, and the various development programmes and welfare schemes under his governments. It remains to be seen if any new programmes or expansions of existing initiatives will be announced.
Among the “6,000 special guests” for the event are the Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics, students benefiting from the Atal Innovation Mission, workers of the Border Roads Organisation, and sarpanches of the gram panchayats.
