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(This article has been republished from The Quint’s archives to mark PM Modi’s 68th birthday. It was originally published on 26 May 2018 for Modi’s four years in power.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never failed to deliver iconic speeches during his tenure so far, which have not only established his position as a powerful orator but also his ability to sway an audience through his emotions.
His speeches have undergone a fair amount of change during 2017 and 2018 where he has incorporated his interest in history and conspiracy theories as a weapon to persuade his audience. Even though his research may not always be on point, PM Modi gets it – scrutiny is a part of politics.
Here’s a throwback to some of his iconic speeches in 2017 and 2018.
After I became Prime Minister, this man (Aiyar) went to Pakistan and met some Pakistanis. All this is available on social media. In that meeting, he is seen discussing with Pakistanis that ‘Jab tak Modi ko raste se hataya nahi jata’ (until Modi is not removed from the way), relations between India and Pakistan cannot improve. Someone tell me what is the meeting of raste se hatana? You had gone to Pakistan to give my supari. You wanted to give Modi’s supari.Modi in Bhabar, Gujarat
In 1948, it was under… General Thimayya’s leadership that the war against Pakistan was won. But after that victory, the saviour of Kashmir, General Thimayya, was repeatedly insulted by then Prime Minister Nehru and then Defence Minister Krishna Menon. And it was for this reason, his honour, that General Thimayya had to resign from his post.Modi in Kalaburgi, Karnataka
Field Marshal Cariappa, 1962, India-China war, is in the annals of recorded history. How he was treated, Field Marshal Cariappaji.Modi in Kalaburgi, Karnataka
Has any Congress leader visited freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in jail?Modi in Kalaburgi, Karnataka
When I talk about strength, to me: S stands for spirituality. T for tradition, trade and technology. R for relationship. E for entertainment as in our movies, cultural activities and dances. A for art. N for nature. H for health sector.Modi in Wuhan, China
And last but not least.
For the last 20 years, I’ve been heaped with one-two kilos of abuse.Modi in London
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