Modi urges first-time voters to turn out in record numbers
Prime minister said that the more they participate in the electoral process, the more beneficial it will be for the country; Modi inaugurated India’s longest cable-stayed bridge in Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday, said that the Radio programme will not be broadcast for the next three months.
During the programme, the Prime Minister also interacted with the first-time voters in the country and said that India takes pride in its youth power, filled with enthusiasm and energy.
Addressing the youth, the Prime Minister said that the more they participate in the electoral process, the more beneficial it will be for the country.
The Prime Minister urged first-time voters to cast their votes in record numbers and said that the 18th Lok Sabha will be a symbol of youth aspirations. He said that amidst the hustle and bustle of general elections, the youth should not only be a part of political activities but also remain vigilant and engaged in discussions and debates.
“Remember, my first vote is for the country,” said the PM.
Modi said that the Election Commission has launched a campaign, ‘My First Vote-for the Country’ and appealed to the first-time voters to come out in record numbers to vote through this special campaign.
The Prime Minister said that ater turning 18, youth have the opportunity to elect Members of Parliament for the 18th Lok Sabha.
“That is, this 18th Lok Sabha will be a symbol of youth aspirations, and therefore, the importance of your vote has increased even more,” he said.
He said that Mann Ki Baat reflects the collective strength and achievements of the country. In a way, it is a programme prepared by the people, for the people, and by the people.
“Mann Ki Baat will not be broadcast for the next three months during the Lok Sabha elections, adhering to political boundaries. Mann Ki Baat is stopping, but the achievements of the country are not stopping,” said the PM.
The Prime Minister also mentioned International Women’s Day, which will be celebrated on March 8. He said that this special day is an opportunity to salute the contribution of women power to the country’s development.
The PM said that today, India’s women power is reaching new heights of progress in every field.
Modi inaugurated India’s longest cable-stayed bridge in Gujarat’s Dwarka.
The ‘Sudarshan Setu’, connecting Okha and Beyt Dwarka island, has been constructed at the cost of 979 crore. PM Modi had laid the foundation stone of the 2.3 km-long bridge in October 2017, saying that it will serve as a link between old and new Dwarka.
“The four-lane 27.20 metre wide bridge has 2.50 metre wide footpaths on each side,” an official release said. Sudarshan Setu boasts a unique design, featuring a footpath adorned with verses from the Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna on both sides.
The bridge, which was known as ‘Signature Bridge’, has been renamed as ‘Sudarshan Setu’ or Sudarshan Bridge. Beyt Dwarka is an island near Okha port, which is nearly 30 km from Dwarka town, where the famous Dwarkadhish temple of Lord Krishna is situated.
“Delighted to inaugurate Sudarshan Setu today - a bridge that connects lands and people. It stands vibrantly as a testament of our commitment to development and progress,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X - formerly known as Twiter.
Modi offered prayers at Dwarkadhish temple before inaugurating the bridge.
The Prime Ministeralso inaugurated Gujarat’s first All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rajkot.
Besides the Rajkot AIIMS, the Prime Minister will also virtually inaugurate four other newly-built AIIMS in Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Utar Pradesh and West Bengal.
The five super-speciality hospitals, including the one in Rajkot, have been built by the Centre at the cost of Rs6,300 crore.
Modimentionedaboutthemusaharcommunity of Bihar and said that this community has been extremely marginalised in the state.
The Prime Minister talked about one Bhim Singh Bhavesh from Bihar and said that there has been a lot of discussion among the Musahar community in his area about his actions.
“Bhim Singh has focused on the education of children in this community so that the future of these children can be brightened. He has enrolled 8,000 children from the Musahar community in schools,” said the PM.