2019 Lok Sabha polls once-in-a-century moment, says Prez

In his address to the nation on R-Day eve, President Ram Nath Kovind says Indian model of pluralism rests on a tripod of diversity, democracy and development

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ New Delhi

WITH the general election round the corner, President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday urged citizens to perform the "sacred act" of voting, stating that this year's Lok Sabha polls should be seen as a "once-in-acentury moment" that will shape the India of the remainder of 21st century.

The President said this will be the first time voters born in the 21st century will contribute to electing the new Lok Sabha. Emphasizing that an election is not just a political exercise, Kovind said it is a collective call to wisdom and a collective call to action. The "ideas and idealism of our democracy will come into force" to elect the 17th Lok Sabha, he said.