Mann Ki Baat Episode 139: Delhi CM, BJP chief lead 6,786-booth listening drive
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra on Sunday, 25 October 2026, led party workers in listening to the 139th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' at over 6,700 booths across the capital. The coordinated event, spread across all corners of Delhi, marked what the party described as a milestone — the completion of 12 years of the programme.
Scale of the Drive
According to Ramesh Shokhanda, convenor of the Delhi BJP's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, the episode was heard at exactly 6,786 booths across Delhi. Alongside Chief Minister Gupta and BJP President Malhotra, Delhi BJP MPs, state government ministers, and MLAs joined area residents and grassroots party workers at listening sessions throughout the city.
From Sunday, the Delhi BJP Yuva Morcha also launched a parallel initiative to engage young people with the programme across all 14 organisational districts of the city. Yuva Morcha President Rajat Sharma participated alongside workers from the Outer Delhi District unit.
What the 139th Episode Highlighted
Malhotra said Prime Minister Modi used the 139th episode to spotlight grassroots efforts that might otherwise go unnoticed nationally — citing Punjab's Navi Trinjan initiative and the conservation of the Hewel River in Uttarakhand as examples of self-reliance, environmental stewardship, and community participation.
The BJP chief also noted that the episode reinforced the 'Vocal for Local' message, stressing that Indian handmade and local products are increasingly accessing global markets. He said promoting khadi, millets, natural farming, and locally crafted goods strengthens the economic standing of farmers, artisans, weavers, and small entrepreneurs.
Technology-driven healthcare platforms such as e-Sanjeevani and cutting-edge neuroscience research at the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre at IIT Madras were also referenced, according to Malhotra, as illustrations of India advancing through a blend of tradition and modern science.
Senior Leadership Participation
Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra listened to the programme at Ambedkar College in Gokalpuri, accompanied by MP Manoj Tiwari, National OBC Morcha President Amarpal Maurya, Delhi Pradesh OBC Morcha President Santosh Pal, and other party office-bearers, in the presence of college students.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta attended her event alongside MP Yogendra Chandolia, MLA Raj Karan Khatri, District President Vinod Sehrawat, and Municipal Councillor Yogesh Rana.
Other senior leaders including MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri (Senior Citizens' Recreation Centre, East of Kailash), MP Bansuri Swaraj (Government Senior Secondary School, West Patel Nagar), and former Delhi BJP presidents Virendra Sachdeva and Satish Upadhyay also participated at locations across the city. Delhi BJP General Secretaries Vishnu Mittal, Yogita Singh, and Mohan Lal Gihara attended sessions at various mandals.
Significance of 12 Years
Malhotra described the 12-year milestone of 'Mann Ki Baat' as a significant achievement in its own right, arguing the programme has consistently elevated local heroes and community-driven initiatives to national prominence. He characterised it not merely as a communication exercise but as a platform that recognises the collective strength, talent, and service spirit of crores of citizens — including farmers, women, youth, and scientists. The next episode of the programme is expected to continue this format of citizen-centric storytelling.