78th Independence Day: PM Modi set to break a record of Manmohan Singh today with his 11th I-Day address in row
Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag for the 11th consecutive time on Thursday, marking this year's Independence Day. He is expected to outline his government's agenda, present a progress report, make key policy announcements, and addresses pressing issues during his address from the Red Fort.
Notably this will be Modi's first Independence Day address of his third term. He will surpass Manmohan Singh who unfurled the tricolour 10 times between 2004 and 2014, and behind Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who did so 17 and 16 times respectively.
The theme of 'Viksit Bharat' is expected to be a core focus of his address. There is also anticipation that the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, particularly the targeting of minority Hindus, may be mentioned, given the strong stance taken by Hindutva groups who have rallied around the issue.
Modi might highlight the mandate his government received for a third consecutive term, albeit with a reduced majority. He is expected to elaborate on how reforms, development programs, and welfare measures implemented over the past decade have positively impacted the lives of citizens.
A key aspect of the event will be whether the Prime Minister announces any new initiatives or expands existing welfare programs. This is especially relevant as the opposition has intensified its campaign with populist welfare promises aimed at garnering support.
Jammu and Kashmir has often been a topic in Modi's Independence Day speeches. Since the removal of Article 370 in 2019, the government
