The broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio programme 'Mann ki Baat' has been suspended for three months owing to Lok Sabha polls. The Prime Minister said the Election Commission is likely to announce Lok Sabha poll dates in March and Model Code of Conduct will be in force.
Speaking in the 110th episode of Mann ki Baat, Modi said, “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.” Modi claimed that the programme was kept away from the shadows of the government and it is “a programme prepared by the people, for the people, through the people”.
“Adhering to political decorum, 'Mann Ki Baat' will not be broadcast for the next three months in these days of Lok Sabha elections. Next when we will interact with you in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, it will be the 111th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Next time 'Mann Ki Baat' starting with the auspicious number 111… what could be better than that!,” Modi said expressing confidence that the BJP will return to power in the Centre for a consecutive third term.
However, the prime minister urged listeners to share and keep posting the achievements of the country and society on social media with the hashtag ‘#MannKiBaat'. He also suggested that they share YouTube Shorts from earlier episodes of 'Mann Ki Baat'. “I would urge the listeners of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to share such shorts extensively,” he said.
The programme was deferred before the 2019 general elections as well.
