The 2019 Lok Sabha election is around the corner. In a democracy, this is the time when the people of the society must voice their opinion and elect the leader that they believe will not only understand the sufferings of the public but also actively make suitable decisions to deal with them. 

While a steady increase in the percentage of votes polled has been noted in the last three nationals elections ie; 58.1% in 2004, 58.2% in 2009 and 66.4% in 2014 (source: data.gov.in), the overall voting turnout continues to be very low, especially for a country that boasts of being the largest democracy in the world.

Thus, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi took to Twitter to urge some of the biggest influencers of our country including cricketers like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma to “inspire the 130 crore people of India” to take some time out of their day to vote during the 2019 elections. 

All the aforementioned cricketers enjoy massive fan-followings, a major part of which comprises of the younger generation who have finally come of age to exercise their right to vote in the last five years.

Dear @msdhoni, @imVkohli and @ImRo45,
You are always setting outstanding records on the cricketing field but this time, do inspire the 130 crore people of India to set a new record of high voter turnout in the upcoming elections.
When this happens, democracy will be the winner!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2019

“Dear @msdhoni [MS Dhoni], @imVkohli [Virat Kohli] and @ImRo45 [Rohit Sharma], 

You are always setting outstanding records on the cricketing field but this time, do inspire the 130 crore people of India to set a new record of high voter turnout in the upcoming elections,” Tweets PM Modi. 

“When this happens, democracy will be the winner!”

He goes on to urge some of the other megastars of the Indian sports fraternity to come forward and do their bit in creating awareness and asking their followers to vote: 

Dear @anilkumble1074, @VVSLaxman281 and @virendersehwag - your heroic deeds on the cricket pitch have inspired millions.

Come, it is time to inspire people once again, this time to vote in record numbers.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2019

Dear @srikidambi, @Pvsindhu1 & @NSaina,

The core of badminton is the court and the core of democracy is the vote.

Just like you smash records, do also inspire a record-breaking voter turnout. I request you to increase voter awareness & motivate youth to vote in large numbers.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2019

The prolific Phogat sisters, @geeta_phogat, @BabitaPhogat, @PhogatRitu and @Phogat_Vinesh manifest the best of Indian sporting talent.

We've seen you in the wrestling world.

I urge you all to support the movement to ensure greater voter participation in the 'Chunavi Dangal.'

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2019

When @mangeshkarlata Didi, @sachin_rt and @arrahman say something, the nation takes note!

I humbly request these remarkable personalities to inspire more citizens to come out and vote in the 2019 elections.

A vote is a great way to make the people's voice heard.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2019

India is proud of @Neeraj_chopra1, @DuttYogi and @WrestlerSushil.
However, they made India win because they participated. I request Neeraj, Yogeshwar and Sushil to encourage people to participate in the elections and vote so that India wins here too!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2019