New Delhi, Aug 13 - When Manmohan Singh speaks from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day Saturday, he will become the fourth prime minister to address the nation on more than five consecutive occasions.

In the process, he will match Atal Bihari Vajpayee's record of six Independence Day addresses from the 17th century fort which is at the core of nationwide celebrations every Aug 15.

Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister (1947-64), gave the address a total of 17 times. His daughter and third prime minister Indira Gandhi spoke from the Red Fort 16 times -- spread over two tenures.

Manmohan Singh will also be only the second prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to deliver the Red Fort address after returning to office after the completion of a full five-year term.

Indira Gandhi completed her full term in 1977 when she was voted out. Although she returned to power after a gap in January 1980, her tenure was cut short briefly when she was assassinated Oct 31, 1984.

Manmohan Singh first addressed the nation from the Red Fort Aug 15, 2004, shortly after his surprise elevation to the country's top post.

This was after his Congress party cobbled together the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition following the May 2004 general elections.

Rajiv Gandhi served as prime minister in 1984-89 and got to address the nation on five successive occasions.

Vajpayee was prime minister on three occasions (13 days in 1996, 13 months in 1998-99 and then in 1999-2004). He spoke from the Red Fort six years in a row.

Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh apart, India has had eight other prime ministers.