Think big, above politics, PM tells NDA MPs, makes pro-poor pitch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hosted a high tea for all NDA MPs including from Shiv Sena during which he told them to think big, far and above politics and help push government's ambitious pro-poor schemes.

In the first such event after the BJP-led alliance stormed to power in May, Modi told the 400-odd MPs to be a symbol of positive political entity, noting they represent a big force with positive energy and can help chart a new course for the country.

"Let us think big. Let us think far. Let us think above politics," Modi said while addressing the MPs at a post-Diwali high tea hosted by him at his Race Course residence.

All the Shiv Sena MPs including Union Heavy Industries Minister Anant Geete were present at the two-hour event but there was no political discussions, as suspense continued over whether the Uddhav Thackeray-led party will be part of a BJP-led government in Maharashtra.

"No political discussions took place during the meeting. It was purely an official function," Geete said.

Modi made a fervent appeal to the MPs for ensuring the success of his ambitious projects like 'Clean India' campaign, 'MP Model Village' scheme and 'Jan Dhan' project.

He urged the MPs to take to the people the work done by the NDA Government for the welfare of the poor.

The Prime Minister while dwelling on the recently launched Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, said the initiative has received tremendous response from all sections of society and called upon all NDA MPs to connect with people as they undertake efforts in this regard for Swachh Bharat in their areas.

He urged the MPs to visit schools in their areas over a five-day period beginning November 14, the 125th birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and explain to children the importance of hygiene. This, he said, would send a positive message.

The Prime Minister said that achieving 'Swachh Bharat' is a tough call but can be achieved with the same spirit as people of the country got together to eradicate polio.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu coordinated the meeting where various departments made presentations. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley made a presentation on the Jan Dhan Yojna while Labour Minister Narinder Singh Tomar made a presentation on the labour reforms. Rural Development Minister Nitin Gadkari also made a presentation on the Prime Minister's Adarsh Gram Vikas Yojna.

"There was an elaborate discussion on many issues which the government has brought to the nation. We had an address by the Prime Minister who talked about cleanliness, various issues before the government, how a common MP can turn things in this country, how a common MP can be a symbol of positive political entity and how the respectability of politicians can be enhanced in the country," BJP general Secretary Rajiv Pratap Rudy told reporters after the meeting.

Besides BJP and Sena MPs, those of other NDA allies Shiromani Akali Dal, TDP, LJP, Apna Dal and other Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs were present.