Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast will not be aired for the next three months in line with political ethics in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
In the 110th episode of the programme, he asked first-time voters to poll in record numbers in the elections and said their maiden vote should be cast for the country. With the general elections expected in April-May, he said there is a possibility that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will be enforced in March as it was done in 2019, a reference to the expected announcement of the election schedule sometime next month.
The MCC guidelines of the Election Commission asks governments to not use official events or public-funded platforms for something that may be seen to give the ruling party publicity or political advantage.
The Prime Minister said it is a big success of the programme that it has been kept away even from the shadow of the government during its 110 episodes and asserted that the broadcast has been dedicated to the country's collective strength and achievements.
"It is a programme of the people, for the people and by the people," Modi said. "However, following political ethics the 'Mann ki Baat' will not be broadcast for the next three months during this period of the Lok Sabha elections," he said.
"When we meet the next time, it will be the 111th episode of the 'Mann Ki Baat'," Modi added, noting the auspiciousness associated with the number. What can be better than this, he said. The Prime Minister has frequently expressed confidence of retaining power in the elections.
The programme was deferred before the 2019 general elections as well. Modi also appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes in record numbers, asserting that the 18th Lok Sabha will be a symbol of their aspirations. Citizens are eligible to vote after turning 18.
The youth should not only be a part of political activities but also remain aware of debates and discussions during the period, Modi said.
"You should keep in mind that your first vote should be for the country," he said, urging influencers and other prominent personalities to motivate first-time voters.
The Election Commission, he said, has launched a campaign "Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye", urging first-time voters to use their franchise in maximum numbers. The bigger the participation of the young voters in the electoral process, the more beneficial its consequences will be for the country, the prime minister said.
The Prime Minister also lauded the advent of women power in the country. Highlighting the success of NAMO Drones in the field of agriculture, he expressed delight that more and more Drone Didis are entering the fray. He chatted with one such Drone Didi Sunita Devi and asked her to share her experience with the technology. PM Modi also acknowledged the leadership roles of women in cleanliness and conservation of water.
"The success of Jal Jeevan Mission should be attributed to Water Committees led by women. Today there is no sector where women are lagging behind", the PM said. He also acknowledged the efforts of women as leaders and thanked them for their pivotal roles in different sectors.
The Prime Minister interacted with a microbiologist Kalyani Prafulla Patil from Maharashtra and lauded her efforts in promoting the use of chemicals.
Veering towards use of technology in conservation of wild animals, he said use of digital gadgets has played a pivotal role in the mutual coexistence of human beings and wild animals. The number of tigers has increased in the country and technology has also come in handy to protect human beings from attacks from tigers, he said. There are cameras installed at borders to keep a check on tigers in Chandrapura village.
Talking about March 3 to be celebrated as World Wildlife Day, he said digital gadgets will be given priority and his government is leaving no stones unturned to promote them. He also made an appeal to first-timer voters to exercise their right in record numbers.
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