Upcoming polls ‘once a century’ moment: President Kovind

NEW DELHI: The coming elections are taking place at a key juncture in India’s developments that compare with the critical and formative periods of the late 1940s and early 1950s making the polls a ‘once in a century’ moment, President Ram Nath Kovind has said.

In his address to the nation on the eve of the 70th Republic Day, the President said, “Our country is at a key juncture. In some respects this is as critical and formative a period as the late 1940s and early 1950s. Decisions and actions of today will shape the India of the remainder of the 21st century. As such, this is not just a once-in-a-generation moment – it is a once-in-a-century moment.”

Kovind went on to say that the forthcoming election is only a milestone towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people and building a developed India, noting that the country is at the doorstep of eliminating extreme poverty. “A programme of universal and equitable healthcare has begun to roll out,” he said.

He strongly urged eligible voters to turn out to vote. “This makes the very act of voting a sacred act. Please perform this act. Who the voter chooses to vote for is up to him or her, I would only request all eligible voters to go out and vote,” he said.

“Affordable medicines and medical devices and implants are becoming a reality for more and more sections of our people. A greater number of Indians than ever previously have access to proper housing, with modern sanitation and electricity,” the President said.

In what reads like a strong endorsement of the government’s development programmes, the President said there was a big improvement in connectivity in the form of ports and inland waterways, upgraded railways and new metro services, national highways and rural roads and cost-effective air services.

He noted a surge in mobile phones and data access, saying, “India has been united and integrated – now it is being networked.” He said the leapfrogging of technologies is empowering farmers and equipping soldiers. “They are exciting the entrepreneurial energies and the infectious start-up culture that has made our younger generation and our India the focus of world attention and admiration.”

The President emphasised the need for open conversations in society even on difficult subjects. “Partnerships are enhanced by open communication, honest conversation and unstinted compassion... This is also true with sections or groups that have been historically disadvantaged and whose grievances must continue to be heard and addressed. It is important to create avenues for such conversations, even if they are inconvenient,” he said.