New Delhi, Jan 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commended the Election Commission of India (EC) for modernizing and strengthening the country’s electoral process and leveraging technology to empower voters. He expressed his appreciation during his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat.
“I would like to thank the Election Commission, which has modernised and strengthened our voting process from time to time. The commission has used the power of technology to give more power to the power of people,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the EC’s role in ensuring free and fair elections. He remarked, “I congratulate the Election Commission for its commitment to fair elections. I would like to urge the countrymen to use their right to vote, always, in maximum numbers and also become a part of the country’s democratic process and strengthen this process.”
Highlighting the significance of the Election Commission, Modi noted its establishment on January 25, 1950, and expressed gratitude to the framers of the Constitution for its creation. “When the first elections were held in the country in 1951-52, some people were doubtful whether the country’s democracy would survive. But our democracy proved all the apprehensions wrong. After all, India is the mother of democracy,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come at a time when Opposition parties have been questioning the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Modi also emphasized the significance of this year’s Republic Day celebrations, as they mark the 75th anniversary of the Indian Republic. “I salute all those great personalities of the Constituent Assembly, who gave us our sacred Constitution. Their discussions are our great heritage,” he stated.
The Prime Minister’s address underscored the importance of public participation in strengthening India’s democratic fabric and highlighted the efforts of the Election Commission in fostering trust in the electoral process.
