PM Modi’s four requests to youth of the nation

The Election Commission has announced the dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and the election fever is evidently running high. When all political outfits are legitimately expected to go into campaign mode, PM Modi has acted as a true statesman and has made efforts in fulfilling the responsibility towards the nation and reaching out to the youth of the country. The Prime Minister has shown that he understands what popular participation means to a democratic set-up.

In massive outreach to the young voters of the nation, PM Modi rose above party lines and petty political differences in an eloquent pitch to the youth of the nation to come out in large numbers and cast their votes in the upcoming Parliamentary polls. In his blog titled, “Four Requests For Democracy”, PM Modi highlighted how voting is one of our prime duties. He also urged for the creation of an environment in which things, like getting a voter ID card and casting vote, becomes an occasion for celebration. In a bid to encourage the voters of the nation to come out and cast their vote, the Prime Minister argued, “Would you want a situation where something happens in the country that you disapprove of and you are forced to think – because I did not go vote that day, this unfortunate situation has arisen and the nation is suffering.” He concluded his blog with four requests, viz.,

1. Getting registered as a voter.
2. Revisiting the electoral rolls and checking whether one’s name is there,
3. Planning one’s schedule in advance in order to “be there (poll constituency) on the day of voting”, and;
4. Mobilising others and encouraging them to exercise their right to vote.

PM Modi also took to twitter and urged influential personalities from all walks of life to inspire the citizens of the country to exercise their right of the franchise during the polls. In fact, PM Modi went beyond party lines in his massive outreach. In one of his tweets, he even appealed the opposition leaders to encourage higher voter participation in the upcoming polls. PM Modi tweeted, “I appeal to @RahulGandhi, @MamataOfficial, @PawarSpeaks, @Mayawati, @yadavakhilesh, @yadavtejashwi and @mkstalin to encourage increased voter participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. A high turnout augurs well for our democratic fabric.”

The way PM Modi went above political differences in his laudable initiative to encourage higher voter turnout is undoubtedly unprecedented and appreciable. Higher voting participation is in the greater interest of India’s democratic ethos. The entire political spectrum should get together in order to collectively ensure greater voter participation. PM Modi has taken this wonderful initiative and it remains to be seen whether the opposition leaders will reciprocate in a fitting manner.

PM Modi also focussed upon encouraging the young voters to cast their ballots. In a creative measure to connect with the youth, the Prime Minister tweeted, “My young friends @RanveerOfficial, @Varun_dvn & @vickykaushal09, Many youngsters admire you. It is time to tell them: Apna Time Aa Gaya Hai and that it is time to turn up with high Josh to a voting centre near you.”

Apart from reaching out to actors and political leaders, the Prime Minister also reached out to widely respected spiritual leaders, viz. Sadhguru, Sri Sri Ravishankar and Yoga guru Ramdev. He tweeted, “Dear @SriSri ji, @SadhguruJV ji, @yogrishiramdev ji and Sri M, Spiritual leaders like you inspire many through words and work. I request you to also inspire people towards greater democratic participation. Please encourage greater voter awareness.”

The way PM Modi has reached out to voters in general and young voters in particular clearly show that a vibrant Indian democracy is his topmost priority. Popular participation and higher voter turnout is the very soul of a democratic setup. Such innovative and creative leadership is what differentiates a statesman from ordinary politicians.