India Independence Day 2024: PM Modi set to break a record of Manmohan Singh today with his 11th I-Day address in row

Prime Minister 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.

Read More: PM Modi Speech Live Updates on Independence Day 2024

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.

India Independence Day 2024: PM Modi's Speech

The theme of 'Viksit Bharat' is expected to be a core focus of PM Modi's address today. 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 has made significant efforts to transform the security and development landscape of the region, which is now a Union territory. Recently, the region has witnessed several terror incidents, particularly in the Jammu division, resulting in the deaths of several security personnel. The Supreme Court has set September 30 as the deadline for holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

There is also speculation that Modi may highlight key decisions his government has taken since taking office for a third term in June. Notable among these are the expansion of the housing scheme for the poor, substantial investments in road and rail infrastructure, and proposed changes to the law regulating Waqf boards and properties, which have been met with strong opposition from various parties.