# HT revisits Vajpayee, Deve Gowda I-Day speeches

2026-08-12T20:15:40+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Hindustan Times has revisited the 2003 and 1996 Independence Day addresses of former prime ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and H. D. Deve Gowda as part of its series on iconic Red Fort speeches. In his last August 15 speech as PM, Vajpayee said India's economy had become the fourth largest in purchasing power and stressed growth, poverty alleviation and employment. Deve Gowda, speaking as a farmer's son, focused on democracy, social justice and national unity, warning about foreign infiltrators and arms smuggling in the Northeast.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/2003-independence-day-indian-economy-4th-largest-today-atal-bihari-vajpayees-last-aug-15-speech-101786538238087.html>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/foreign-infiltrators-arms-smuggling-on-1996-independence-day-pm-deve-gowdas-northeast-alert-101786599107578.html>

Tags: 2003, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Independence Day, Indian economy, purchasing power parity, Red Fort speech
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