Dos & don’ts for BJP MPs

• Modi warns new MPs against any form of corruption, redtape
  
• Two-day training programme for BJP MPs at Surajkund

Surajkund (Haryana): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday exhorted the ruling BJP MPs to focus on achar (practice), vichar (ideology) and vyavahar (conduct). He told them, “I am also a new MP and I have to learn from my seniors” and went on to state, “I am first-time PM and am undergoing training at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).”

Kick-starting the two-day training session for BJP MPs, especially first-timers, here, the Prime Minister listed out dos and don’ts for them. He advised them to maintain parliamentary conduct and decorum and to come prepared for parliamentary debates, specialising at least in one subject. He warned the MPs against any form of corruption or nepotism. Besides, he cautioned them to learn how to behave with the media and not to comment on issues not related to them.

The government work should be publicised and he asked them to take their constituency-development work in right earnest. The Prime Minister’s words of caution to his party MPs assume significance, as the ruling party braces for its first major Parliament session commencing from July 7.

“Just like we made the Centre nearly Congress-mukt (Congress-free), the same should be repeated wherever Assembly elections take place,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi 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. Our transition from Opposition to Treasury Benches is not limited to moving a few feet to the other side. This is a significant transition and we must try to appreciate the meaning of this.”

In case of any problem, the Prime Minister told the MPs to approach him directly or BJP president and Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The BJP first-time MPs include the likes of former Union Home Secretary R K Singh and former Army Chief Gen V K Singh.

After every General Election, such a training camp for the party MPs is organised. After the last General Election, the training camp was held in Jhinjoli in Haryana and this time round it has been organised in Surajkund. Senior-most BJP MP L K Advani is expected to deliver the valedictory address on Sunday.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu explained the relationship between the party and bovernment in Parliament, while party ideologue and an old RSS hand, Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, was assigned to provide a refresher course on the basics of party ideology.

The BJP’s new generation leaders, Prakash Javadekar and Piyush Goyal, have been tasked to teach the MPs on effective use of social media communication. There was emphasis on the need to have a presence on Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites, as the youth, especially the first-time voters, had turned out in large numbers to vote for the BJP and with whom the party should remain connected. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said training programmes like this alone could make the world’s largest democracy into the finest democracy. He asked the MPs to ensure an orderly and disciplined conduct in the House. Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu urged the MPs to understand contemporary political climate and people’s expectations. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi joined the MPs at breakfast, ahead of the inaugural session.