PM Modi urges youth to register as voters at 18, calls voting ‘soul of democracy’
On National Voters’ Day (25 January 2026), Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to young citizens to register as voters as soon as they turn 18. Speaking during the 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat, he linked voter participation with constitutional values and the spirit of Republic Day, describing the milestone of becoming a voter as something India should celebrate.
National Voters’ Day message
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Mann Ki Baat radio address on Sunday, 25 January 2026, to urge young Indians to register as voters when they turn 18, describing the act as central to strengthening democracy and fulfilling a constitutional responsibility.
In the 130th episode of the programme, Modi spoke a day before Republic Day (26 January 2026), linking the Constitution’s adoption to the importance of citizens participating in elections.
‘Becoming a voter is a milestone’
Referring to 25 January as National Voters’ Day, the Prime Minister described the voter as the “soul of democracy” and said that reaching voting age should not be treated as an ordinary life event.
He argued that the first-time voting milestone deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated, and that deeper youth participation helps sustain democratic values over the long term.
Context: Republic Day and constitutional values
Modi noted that Republic Day commemorates the day India’s Constitution came into force and said the occasion is an opportunity to pay tribute to the Constitution’s architects. He framed voter participation as a practical expression of the Constitution’s promise and democratic structure.
The broader pitch was civic: register, vote regularly, and treat electoral participation as a shared duty rather than a one-time formality. The message was targeted especially at newly eligible voters and first-timers.
What it could mean
Ahead of major election cycles across states and at the national level, such appeals typically aim to improve enrolment and turnout, especially among younger demographics. Election administrators and civil-society groups often use National Voters’ Day to push awareness drives around registration and voter rolls.