With the Red Fort’s ramparts missing the usual heavy floral decorations this time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his Independence Day speech by referring to citizens as his “parivarjan” (family members), instead of his usual “mere pyaare deshwaasiyon” (my beloved countrymen).
Considering the record of his past speeches, in which he has announced major campaigns such as the Ayushman Bharat and Swachh Bharat, all eyes were on the PM to push crucial political points this year. It was, after all, not just his tenth consecutive Independence Day address, but also his last before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
