New Delhi, December 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met BJP MPs from the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh over breakfast. According to sources, Modi is scheduled to visit the state four more times this month before the election model code of conduct comes into effect
Interestingly, Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra Teni, who is in the middle of a political storm over the Uttar Pradesh Police’s Special Investigation Team report on the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, was not present at the meeting.
Around 36 MPs attended, sources said, adding that the number was restricted due to COVID-19 protocols. The meeting was held in two groups. Party president JP Nadda and Union Minister Prahlad Joshi were also present.
Discussions largely revolved around improving communication with people, sources said, adding that PM Modi urged MPs to hold regular talks with senior people in their constituencies and also asked them to organise sports competitions and the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ event.
In such meetings, the Prime Minister has been asking party representatives from different states to organise sports tournaments to encourage health and sporting spirit among youth. “The PM believes that sports encourage positivity and motivation,” said an MP who was present at the meeting, adding that there was no discussion on the upcoming UP Assembly polls.
Earlier, while speaking to MPs from South, the PM had urged them to “not head for VIP lounges” at airports to catch a flight but queue up with ordinary passengers and mingle with them.
During the ongoing Winter Session, the PM has been regularly holding breakfast meetings with BJP MPs. Recently, he also met leaders from Madhya Pradesh.
Meanwhile, PM Modi will visit Goa tomorrow to attend a function marking the Goa Liberation Day celebrations at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium. He will felicitate freedom fighters and veterans of ‘Operation Vijay’ at the function, according to a statement.
The Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19 every year to mark the success of ‘Operation Vijay’ undertaken by the Indian Armed Forces that liberated Goa from Portuguese rule. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate multiple development projects.
