Modi calls on Indian youth to take plunge into politics after BJP's mega win in Maharashtra

Following the BJP-led Mahayuti's overwhelming victory in recent Maharashtra assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeated his plea on Nov 24 for young people, particularly those without a family history in politics, to enter politics and contribute to the country's progress.

Modi encouraged young people to get involved in politics on the 116th episode of his monthly radio show "Mann Ki Baat."

He also asked them to attend the "Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue," which would take place in Delhi from Jan 11–12.

"You might remember that from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I have urged youths to join politics, none of whose family members or even the entire family have had a political background," the PM said.

He emphasized that the country will launch a number of unique campaigns and initiatives, the discussion being one of them, to engage one lakh of these young people with politics.

The PM spoke about his time as a National Cadet Corps cadet in honor of NCC Day.

"I myself have been an NCC cadet, so I can say with full confidence that the experience I got from it is invaluable for me. The NCC instills a spirit of discipline, leadership, and service in the youth," he said.

The PM highlighted that the Young Leaders Dialogue will coincide with the 162nd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, saying, "This year, the celebration will be extraordinary. A 'maha kumbh' of young minds will take place at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi on Jan 11 and 12, with millions of youth from across India taking part."

Nearly 2,000 young people from villages, blocks, districts, and states will attend the event.

"Experts from the country and abroad" will attend the dialogue, he added.

"The youth will get an opportunity to present their ideas directly before us," Modi said.

Modi continued, "We have to explain to people again and again that there is no provision of digital arrest in the government; this (digital arrest) is a blatant lie.”

He cited instances of young people helping senior citizens with digital life certificates and spreading awareness about cybercrimes like "digital arrest."