PM says every support for farmers

Image: Manmohan Singh, surrounded by his bodyguards, addresses the nation from a bullet-proof enclosure at the historic Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi on Saturday
Photographs: Reuters

Sending out a positive message on the Independence Day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today called for a new era of cooperation and harmony and pledged all possible government assistance to farmers to deal with drought and stepped up efforts to control spiralling prices.

PM assures every support for farmers

Image: Manmohan Singh addresses the nation from a bullet-proof enclosure

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the sixth consecutive year, Singh said the government would work for political stability and strengthening economy with an aim of marching towards "a golden future".

PM assures farmers every support

Image: PM delivers his speech

Asserting the people had rejected sectarian politics and have "chosen a political arrangement which is secular", he called for "a new era of cooperation and harmony" and promised to take everyone along to create "an environment of consensus and cooperation".

We will fulfill responsibilities: PM

Image: Manmohan Singh, surrounded by his bodyguards, arrives to address the nation

You have entrusted a big responsibility on us and we humbly accept that and will fulfil it", he said.

Swine flu: Don't panic, says PM

Image: Congress chief Sonia Gandhi arrives to attend the Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi on Saturday

There was no need to panic in the face of swine flu and daily life should not be disrupted because of it, said 76-year-old Singh.

PM promises welfare for all

Image: Crowds leave the historic Red Fort after the Independence Day speech by India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Delhi

Rejecting the contention that taking special care of the deprived sections amounted to appeasement, Manmohan Singh today said it is the government's duty to care for them and made it clear that the schemes launched for their welfare will be taken forward.

PM addresses the nation

Image: Manmohan Singh salutes a guard of honour before addressing the nation

We do not subscribe to the view that to take special care of the deprived sections of the society amounts to appeasement. In fact, we believe that it is our solemn duty to do so," Singh said.

PM's assurance to minorities

Image: PM inspects a guard of honour

He said the government will "give its full attention to the well being of our brothers and sisters belonging to the minority communities."

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