PM Modi to deliver 10th consecutive Independence Day address

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver on Tuesday his 10th consecutive Independence Day address – also his last before 2024 Lok Sabha polls – with a mood of anticipation around the annual showpiece event that he has used to present his government’s report card and unveil flagship schemes.

There is a view that the prime minister may choose to chart the country’s journey on his watch in various sectors since 2014 and outline his vision for the years ahead, something he has done in previous addresses as well.

Experts will also be looking for political messages in the address. Modi has mostly refrained from launching any direct political attack on opposition parties in his Independence Day addresses but has often stressed on the governance changes his dispensation has ushered in after a spell of “corruption” and policy paralysis.

Starting with his inaugural Independence Day address in 2014, PM Narendra Modi introduced numerous initiatives like Swachh Bharat and Jan Dhan accounts.

Since then, he has consistently utilized this occasion to make significant announcements and connect with the public on various topics, addressing matters such as crimes against women and societal tensions. PM Modi may also announce important schemes ahead of the Lok Sabha polls 2024.

In 2022, the highlight of his Independence Day speech was “Panch Pran” or five pledges where he invited people to make India a developed nation by 2047.

In line with the Central government’s ‘Jan Bhagidari’, a group of 50 nurses, accompanied by their families, hailing from different parts of the country, have received special invitations to attend PM Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech. The 50 nurses are among the 1800 special guests such as sarpanches, teachers, farmers, and fishermen.

Ahead of this Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi urged Indians to take part in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. On Twitter (now known as X), PM Modi wrote, “In the spirit of the #HarGharTiranga movement, let us change the DP [Display Picture] of our social media accounts and extend support to this unique effort which will deepen the bond between our beloved country and us”.