PM Narendra Modi to BJP MPs: Stop touching feet, be regular in Parliament

published on June 7, 2014

NEW DELHI: Sounding a word of caution to ruling BJP MPs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asked them to remain connected to the ground and not let any complacency eclipse the party that was catapulted to power.

In a clear message to his party’s newly-elected lawmakers, Modi said as BJP was no longer in the opposition, its MPs had a far bigger responsibility in taking the message of the government to the grassroots level and highlight its programmes.

In his 20-minute speech in the Central Hall of Parliament, Modi exhorted the MPs to remain in touch with the people at the grassroots and not lower their guard.

Hitting out at the culture of sycophancy, Narendra Modi asked BJP MPs to shun the practice of touching his feet and that of other leaders.

Sources said Modi was referring to new MPs touching his feet when they met him and asked them to work hard as Parliamentarians.

“Don’t touch my feet,” was Modi’s directive to the new MPs, in an apparent dig at the Congress, which the BJP has often targeted for the alleged “sycophancy” surrounding the Gandhi family, and some regional parties steered by political families where such practices are prevalent.

The Prime Minister also asked MPs to help in the smooth running of the House and attend the sessions of Parliament full-time while maintaining its dignity.

Sources said the Prime Minister also asked the MPs not to talk to the media as spokespersons of the party but raise the issues of their own area and constituency with them instead.

He also urged them to come armed with knowledge and do their homework properly before participating in Parliament debates.

He said being present during debates will be a good learning ground for them on various issues.

BJP patriarch L K Advani, in his address, also asked BJP MPs to continue to work for the welfare of the common people and consolidate on the gains as the party had come a long way from mere two MPs to the 282-member strong force with a majority of its own in the 2014 Lok Sabha election.

BJP president and home minister Rajnath Singh also welcomed the new party MPs and asked them to work hard for further success of the party and uplift of common people.

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