Thousands throng Red Fort to hear PM Narendra Modi’s speech

New Delhi

Braving sultry weather, thousands of enthusiastic people thronged the Red Fort today to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak from the ramparts of the historic fort on the occasion of 69th Independence Day.

However, it seemed that the clouds patiently waited for the Prime Minister to end his speech and as soon as he left the Red Fort, the heavens opened up.

People were seen fanning themselves with information leaflets to beat the humidity but the sultry weather failed to dampen their enthusiasm as they kept cheering and clapping jubilantly during the PM’s speech.

According to police, about 40,000 people attended the function. There were seating arrangements for 22,000 people, including 8,000 for VVIPs and VIPs, 4,000 for school children and 10,000 for the general public.

During the day, the national capital recorded 8.2 mm rainfall, between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm, MeT department said.

Significant rain was received in various parts of the city with Palam 27.6 mm, Lodhi Road 5.7 mm, Delhi Ridge 17.8 mm and Aya Nagar 22.4 mm rain, said a MeT official.

For the next 24 hours the weather is predicted to be generally overcast with rain and thundershowers in many parts of the city, he said.

The maximum temperature of the day settled at 33.6 degrees Celsius, normal for the season, while the minimum temperature recorded at 28.5 degrees was two notches above the normal.

Humidity levels oscillated between 63 and 99 percent during the day.

PTI