Mann ki Baat LIVE Updates: PM Modi to Address Nation at 11am in 70th Edition of Programme Today

Mann ki Baat LIVE Updates: PM Modi to Address Nation at 11am in 70th Edition of Programme Today

Mann ki Baat LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 11am today in the 70th edition of his Mann ki Baat programme. PM Modi had sought suggestions from citizens on his social media accounts earlier this month about topics for Mann ki Baat, a forum where he addresses the country over a range of issues. In his previous address, which came amid protests over farm bills, PM Modi said they are playing a major role in building a self-reliant India. Modi said many farmers benefitted after fruits, vegetables were brought out of APMC Act in some states a few years ago. “Our agriculture sector has shown its prowess during the Covid-19 pandemic and farmers are playing a major role in efforts to build a self-reliant India,” he said.

Farmer unions across India have been protesting against the contentious agriculture reform bills passed by Parliament last week, fearing the new legislations would do away with Minimum Support Price and leave farmers at the mercy of corporates. The BJP’s oldest ally Shiromani Akali Dal walked out of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over the issue on Saturday, citing the Modi government’s “stubborn refusal” to give statutory legislative guarantees to protect the assured marketing of farmers' crops at MSP.

In his address, Modi took another dig at the Congress, saying that if the essence of Mahatma Gandhi's economic philosophy was followed, there would not have been any need for the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' campaign as India would have become self-reliant much earlier. The prime minister began his monthly broadcast by talking about storytelling, saying it has been a part of our nation for centuries. "Storytelling is as old as civilisation...These days, stories relating to science are gaining popularity," Modi said. He said many people are making storytelling popular across the country and underlined that India has a glorious tradition of storytelling. He also interacted with members of the Bangalore Storytelling Society. Modi also requested all families to set aside some time for storytelling and said it will be a wonderful experience for them.