Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that this year’s general elections will be important and crucial in more ways than one as for the first time those born in the new century will be eligible to exercise their franchise.
“Unke liye desh ki jimmedari apne kandho par lene ka avsar aa gaya hae (Those who were born in the 21st century, time has come for them to take the responsibility of the country),” Prime Minister said in his monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’ through All India Radio.
“Those born in the new century, will now be taking part at a marathon exercise of decision making for the country,” he said referring to the fact that born in circa 2000 would be now eligible to cast their votes for the first time as all of them would have turned 18 plus.
“Khud ke sapno ke saath, desh ke sapne ko juurne ka samay aa chuka hae (Time has come for youngsters to relate their personal dreams with the dream of making India a great country),” Prime Minister said and urged them to register themselves as bonafide voters.
Mr Modi sought to remind the youngsters that : “To be eligible voters and to exercise their franchise is one of our greatest achievements of life”.
Prime Minister also hastened to add at the same time that to cast vote is also each individual’s “national duty”.
“If we miss out somehow or the other to exercise our franchise, we must feel the pain about it,” Mr Modi said.
The remarks from Prime Minister are significant as these have come weeks before the country actually plunges into the election mode.
The Lok Sabha elections this year are due by April-May. (UNI)