PM Narendra Modi`s `extempore` Independence Day speech impresses political leaders

Breaking from tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke extempore when he delivered his first Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Breaking from tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke extempore when he delivered his first Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Hailing Modi, senior BJP leader LK Advani said he was happy that the PM decided not to deliver a written speech, but to speak extempore. Its impact has been good, added Advani. Not only BJP strongman, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi also admitted that the PM`s `extempore` speech `created a special connect`.

PM speaking ex Tempore does create spl connect. his oratory undeniable. Sincerity of words wl be judged by translation into deeds by govt.

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) August 15, 2014

In his 65-minute extempore speech in Hindi without any bullet-proof shield, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today declared that he would like to run the country on the basis of consensus and not on majority in Parliament and called for a 10-year moratorium on caste and communal violence. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of historic Red Fort for the first time, he also asked the misguided youth who have taken to terrorism and naxalism to shed their guns and adopt the path of peace and development. Less than three months after taking over as Prime Minister, Modi unveiled a roadmap for his government, announcing a financial inclusion scheme for the poor to open bank account with built-in insurance, development of model villages by MPs and launching of a scheme for elimination of open defecation.