Screen for those who could not make it inside Red Fort

When ‘Modi fans’, as they claimed to be, reached the Red Fort at 6.30 am to watch the Prime Minister speak on Independence Day, they realised that it was not easy to get in.

Not only were the restrictions more than usual, also people had to leave their mobile phones behind to get inside. So in spite of free public entry, some still preferred standing or sitting with their families on the bare ground before the barricades to watch Narendra Modi speak on a TV screen set up there.

Some still felt it was unfortunate. “It is always different to see a concert live and on television. I am sad I missed the thrill. I am a big fan of Modi and it is unfortunate that we have to stand outside and watch his speech,” said Akanksha, who came with her husband and some cousins.

But when she was told that she can leave her phone with her husband or a cousin and go inside, she refused to.

The TV was loud enough and wide enough for a large audience. There was hooting now and then as the speech wasn’t clear enough to everyone outside.

For about half an hour, people just listened after which some of them started their small picnics.

Some left in the middle when the heat was overpowering Modi’s speech.
Some Modi fans could not decide if the speech was nearly over or far from over, so they started leaving the venue. When they came outside, they realised that they could move about more freely, comment on the speech and also feed themselves.

This gave many papadwalas and popcorn walas their share of fun on Independence Day, where they earned Rs 5 to 10 for each piece.

Also, some people who were illiterate and unemployed till August 14, volunteered to paint people’s faces with the tricolour for Rs 10 on each cheek.

Noor, came with her four of her children to visit Jama Masjid to buy them clothes. But finding the road blocked, she decided to sit on the divider across Red Fort and listen to Modi speak and eat home-made paranthas.

A group of men from Andhra Pradesh left the venue to come outside to debate over the speech. They were unable to express their dissatisfaction with PM’s speech inside, as they were asked to maintain silence.

“When BJP was in opposition they said that they will give special status to AP, but there is no talk to it in his speech,” said Ajay, a software engineer working in Delhi.

People who came in late also joined the fun. When they saw so many people outside, they decided watching Modi on the screen outside was good enough.