Don't touch my feet, just be good parliamentarians: Modi to MPs

New Delhi: Hitting out at the culture of sycophancy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked BJP MPs to shun the practice of touching his feet and that of other leaders. Addressing party’s newly elected MPs in the Central Hall of Parliament at the meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Party, Modi asked them not to touch anyone’s feet or indulge in sycophancy, it is learnt. Sources said Modi was referring to new MPs touching his feet when they met him and asked them to work hard as Parliamentarians. [caption id=“attachment_1557857” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Narendra Modi in a file photo. AFP[/caption] “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 sources said Modi asked his MPs to be armed with knowledge and be good Parliamentarians by enhancing their skills in the “temple of democracy”. Sounding a word of caution to ruling BJP MPs, Modi also asked them to remain connected to the ground and not let any complacency eclipse the party’s performance which catapulted it to power. In a clear message to 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. The Prime Minister also asked them 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 LK 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. PTI