PM Modi’s Longest Speech at Red Fort Sparks Debate, Contrasted with Previous Leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the longest speech to date from the Red Fort on Independence Day, addressing the nation for 103 minutes. This speech has drawn criticism, with some, like Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, calling it excessive. The BJP has responded by providing a comparative analysis, highlighting that while Jawaharlal Nehru averaged 20-minute speeches, PM Modi typically speaks for about an hour. The BJP’s comparison suggests that leaders like Nehru and Indira Gandhi gave brief speeches during a time when the nation faced significant challenges. The BJP has shared statistics indicating that Nehru delivered 17 speeches from the Red Fort, totaling 400 minutes, while Indira Gandhi spoke for 504 minutes across 16 speeches. In contrast, PM Modi has consistently delivered longer addresses, setting a new standard for Independence Day speeches. The BJP’s remarks imply that previous leaders treated the addresses as mere formalities, while PM Modi’s speeches are more comprehensive.