Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday suggested that the model of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls would come into force in March and appealed to first-time voters to participate in the electoral exercise in record numbers.

”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,” he said in his monthly ”Mann Ki Baat” programme.

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”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. That is why, the importance of your vote has risen further,” he told the young voters.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the general elections, the youth should not only be a part of political activities but also remain aware of the discussions and debates during this period. And they should remember the slogan–‘My first vote – for the country’, Mr Modi added.

He also urged the influencers of the country, whether they are from the sports world, film industry, literature world, other professionals or Instagram and YouTube influencers, to actively participate in the campaign and motivate the first-time voters.

The PM was happy that just a few days ago the Election Commission started a campaign – ‘Mera Pehla Vote – Desh Ke Liye’. Through this, first-time voters have been specially requested to vote in maximum numbers.

The PM observed that it is a huge success of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ that in the last 110 episodes, it has been kept away from even the shadow of the government. Mr Modi said there is talk of the achievements of the country in ”Mann Ki Baat” and in a way, this is a programme prepared by the people, for the people, through the people. ”But still, adhering to political decorum, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ will not be broadcast for the next three months in these days of Lok Sabha elections,” he said.

The PM said next when he interacts with the people in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, it will be the 111th episode of the programme. ”Next time ‘Mann Ki Baat’ starting with the auspicious number 111… what could be better than that! But, friends, you have to keep performing one task for me. Even though ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is undergoing a break for three months, the achievements of the country will not stop even for a while. Therefore, keep posting the achievements of the society and the country on social media with the hashtag ‘Mann Ki Baat’,” he said, adding the next time he converses with the people, he will meet them with new energy and new information.

The PM pointed out that on 8 March, the nation will celebrate ‘Women’s Day’ and said this special day is an opportunity to salute the contribution of women power in the developmental journey of the country. ”Today the women power of India is touching new heights of progress in every field. Who would have thought till a few years ago that in our country, women living in villages too would fly drones? But today this is becoming possible,” he added.

Mr Modi pointed out that today there was no region in the country where the woman power has lagged. Another area where women have demonstrated their leadership abilities is natural farming, water conservation and sanitation.

He also stated that today the importance of technology has increased manifold in the lives of all. Mobile phones and digital gadgets have become an important part of everyone’s life. ”But can you imagine that with the help of digital gadgets, we are now getting help in creating a balance with wild animals!” he told the audience.

He was happy to note that technology was being used extensively for the conservation of wildlife in different parts of the country.