Prime Minister Narendra Modi – postponed twice to get it closer to elections – inaugurated one hour late – the world’s most original National War Memorial – by consecrating the second Eternal Flame to commemorate India’s martyrs since 1947. The original war memorial is at India Gate, called Amar Jawan Jyoti, which also has an Eternal Flame.
A perfectly solemn and sacred occasion was marred by Modi addressing an ex-servicemen’s rally at the Dhyanchand stadium where, in the audience, were BJP workers who chanted the familiar ‘Modi Modi’ election battle-cry. This was not the done thing. His speech gracelessly politicised the sombre and dignified landmark event, by attacking the Gandhi family and bragging about his government’s achievements in defence and national security.