Author: Times News Network
Publication: The Times of India
Date: June 30, 2014

Introduction: PM Imparts Political Wisdom to First-Timers

Emphasizing that the BJP must take its transition from Opposition to ruling party seriously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday told first-time party MPs to maintain high standards of public conduct and guard against nepotism and corruption.

“The transition from Opposition to the treasury benches has not happened just to move a short distance (in the Lok Sabha).

It's a significant transition and we must appreciate its meaning,“ Modi told a training camp for 160-odd first-term BJP MPs.

Modi urged the MPs attending the boot camp at Surajkund near Delhi to “make new friends“ in Parliament and adopt an attitude of helpfulness and empathy as members of the same family .

Pointing out that BJP MPs must prepare to face greater scrutiny, Modi stressed on the need for decorum in Parliament and underlined the merits of brevity and erudition in speeches delivered in the two Houses.

He told MPs not be disheartened by “chhote-motte (small)“ issues as there are “no full stops in politics“, indicating that he expected MPs to adopt a 24x7 approach to their tasks. The PM urged the first-timers to pay attention to their constituencies and draw up plans that addressed key issues of electors, an important lesson intended to improve their re-nomination prospects.

The PM has been wary of the first-timers getting co-opted by Delhi's political culture which privileges trappings of power, influence peddling and opulence over hard work, and has asked them to shun blandishments dangled by power brokers. He has even warned them of the peril of getting trapped by sting operations.

On Saturday, however, he was more the modest teacher than stentorian leader. The PM said he too was a first-time MP and was ready to learn from his seniors. He urged MPs not to occupy silos and asked them to be comradely and sympathetic in their beha viour. The PM said he expected MPs to shun negativism and fully realize the opportunity of being members of Parliament representing their constituencies but working towards a common vision.

The meeting was also addressed by BJP chief Rajnath Singh and parliamentary affairs minister M Venkaiah Naidu and on Sunday, senior leaders Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley will also speak. Party veteran L K Advani will round off proceedings.

The PM, who mingled with MPs over break fast, said “To be a member of Parliament is an important thing and one must look at it seriously. Remember, people are observing your performance not only in the House but even outside.”