PM Modi urges new voters to register at 18 in Mann Ki Baat ahead of Republic Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, January 25, 2026, to urge eligible young Indians to register as voters as soon as they turn 18. He presented voter registration not as a routine administrative step, but as a meaningful civic milestone that deepens participation in the country’s democratic process.

In the report, Modi is quoted as saying that while turning 18 is often treated as an ordinary life stage, becoming a voter is a significant moment for an Indian citizen. He underlined that encouraging youth participation in elections is essential for strengthening democracy and upholding constitutional values.

Why the message was timed to Republic Day

The Prime Minister linked the appeal to the Republic Day period, highlighting the constitutional ideals the day represents. The message positions voter enrolment as one of the most direct ways for young citizens to translate constitutional rights into everyday democratic action.

Civic participation campaigns often intensify around national observances, and the focus on first-time voters is particularly significant given the size of India’s youth population and the persistent gap between eligibility and enrolment in certain regions.

What young voters can do next

The core takeaway from the address is practical: once an individual turns 18, they should initiate voter registration without delay. While the report centres on the Prime Minister’s appeal rather than procedural details, the broader implication is that first-time voters should treat enrolment as time-sensitive so that they are not left out of upcoming polls due to paperwork or verification delays.

• Date of address: January 25, 2026 (Mann Ki Baat episode 130)
• Message: Register to vote immediately upon turning 18
• Framing: Voting as a constitutional responsibility and a way to strengthen democracy