PM Modi halts Mann Ki Baat for 3 months, hints about Lok Sabha elections
Mann ki Baat monthly radio programme on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted that the dates of the Lok Sabha elections may be announced soon and that there would be a three-month break before the next episode since the Model Code of Conduct may take effect in March. While speaking on the 110th episode of the programme, he said, "The atmosphere of Lok Sabha elections is all pervasive in the country and as happened last time, there is a possibility that the code of conduct might also be in place in the month of March." In 2019, the Election Commission had announced the Lok Sabha elections on 10 March. The voting took place in seven phases between 11 April and 19 May.
Launched on 3 October 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society including women, the elderly, and the youth. The next episode will be the 111th, and what could be better than the auspicious number 1-1-1, he said. Mentioning first-time voters, the PM appealed to the youth to vote in large numbers and asked prominent influencers from sports, films, social media to motivate people to vote.
He hoped that the Election Commission’s campaign — ‘Mera Pehla Vote – Desh Ke Liye’ — would motivate these first-time voters and activate its youth power. “On turning 18, you are getting a chance to elect a member for the 18th Lok Sabha. That means this 18th Lok Sabha will also be a symbol of youth aspiration," he said.
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