BJP leaders hail PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' Episode 139 on self-reliance push
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Sunday, 25 October 2026 praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', calling it a consistent source of national inspiration after its 139th episode aired across India. Leaders highlighted the programme's emphasis on self-reliance, grassroots achievements, cultural heritage and community participation.
Delhi CM Leads the Praise
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said 'Mann Ki Baat' has served as a source of immense inspiration for all 140 crore Indians since its inception. She noted that the programme spotlights successful community-driven initiatives and demonstrates tangible national progress.
'The Prime Minister's words connect every community and section of society while conveying valuable wisdom and motivating citizens to contribute positively to the nation,' Gupta said, thanking Modi on behalf of the people of Delhi for continuously bringing meaningful topics to public attention.
Khadi Sales and Grassroots Milestones
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj attended a community listening event in the Patel Nagar Assembly constituency alongside Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita, local party workers and residents. She recalled the Prime Minister's framing of the programme as a platform devoted to recognising the collective strength of the Indian people.
Swaraj drew attention to a notable data point cited by Modi during the episode: sales of Khadi products exceeded ₹28 crore in a single day on Gandhi Jayanti. The figure, she argued, reflects how the programme directly catalyses ground-level economic activity rather than remaining a purely symbolic broadcast.
Heritage, Millets and Rural Empowerment
Bihar Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha noted that the episode reinforced the Prime Minister's recurring themes of promoting millets — referred to as 'Shree Anna' — living in harmony with nature and maintaining good health. Sinha said the programme's messages reach children and citizens nationwide, keeping them 'enthusiastic and motivated.'
BJP Bihar State President Sanjay Saraogi outlined several specific topics Modi addressed in the 139th episode: women weavers in Punjab achieving self-reliance through handlooms; Makhana (fox nut) farmers from Mithila and Bihar accessing foreign markets through proper packaging; cleanliness drives; the upcoming Valmiki Jayanti; and a mention of Nishad Raj.
'Today, he spoke in detail about how India is becoming self-reliant,' Saraogi said, adding that the programme consistently encourages people to draw from local achievements and preserve cultural traditions.
Significance of the Platform
Launched in October 2014, Mann Ki Baat has become one of the most widely heard government radio programmes in India, broadcast on All India Radio and simulcast across digital platforms. Critics have at times noted that the programme serves primarily as a communications vehicle for the ruling party, though its audience reach — spanning rural and urban listeners — is widely acknowledged. The episode's spotlight on agricultural exports from Bihar and handloom weavers in Punjab reflects a deliberate attempt to link the programme to the Centre's broader self-reliance narrative under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework. With Valmiki Jayanti and festive greetings woven into the address, the 139th episode also carried a seasonal cultural dimension. All major BJP leaders across states are expected to continue holding public listening events for subsequent episodes as the programme approaches its next milestone.