New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has a love-hate relationship with the Indian media arrived at the BJP headquaters on Saturday to top journalists and editors over tea.
The meeting is taking place at BJP headquarters at 11, Ashoka Road on the occasion of ‘Deepawali Milan’. BJP chief Amit Shah, senior leaders Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Prakash Javadekar are among others were present at the event.
On Friday, Modi congratulated TV channels for showing dirty streets after Diwali celebrations, saying telecasting such visuals would create awareness among people about the importance of cleanliness.
The Prime Minister, who launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on October 2, also congratulated the people who particpated in cleanliness drive after bursting fire crackers during Diwali.
The media outreach comes a day before Modi hosts NDA allied, including the Shiv Sena at a tea party in the national capital.
The deadlock over government formation in Maharashtra is expected to get over soon with the Shiv Sena and BJP striking a deal for a coalition government in the state.
By Monday, both parties are expected to bury the hatchet and sort out their differences. While the Sena appears to have given up its demand for key portfolios in the state, it has reportedly been assured of more berths at the Centre in the next Cabinet reshuffle.
Here are the highlights of PM Modi’s address to journalists:
There was a time when I used to wait for media persons to arrive/put chairs for them, had friendly relations with all
Extend my wishes for Bhai Dooj and also New Year
I am seeking to strengthen ties with media
In last one month have read several articles on ‘Swachta’, a lot is being discussed in social media too
I believe there are several columnists who have written for years but are writing on ‘Swachta’ for 1st time, a great service to nation
Cleanliness is one of the biggest media for preventive healthcare
