Don't make irresponsible statements: PM Modi warns BJP leaders
What's the story
PM Narendra Modi has asked BJP leaders to refrain from making "irresponsible" statements, saying such comments hurt the party's image. During an interaction with party MPs, MLAs, and other representatives, Modi said leaders at times jump to make statements in front of the media and end up providing "masala" (fodder to controversies). There's no point then blaming media for controversies, he said. Here's more.
Media
Don't blame the media. It's doing its job: PM Modi
"Don't blame the media. It is doing its job. It's our job to not get entangled in everything and guide the nation on every issue by standing. Those with the responsibility of speaking on the issue will do it," PM Modi said. Touching on the subject of some party leaders making embarrassing comments, he said his remarks might seem bitter but must be made.
Statements
What did Modi say on party workers complaining about media?
"At times our (BJP) workers talk a lot about the media doing this, media doing that. But have we thought that we end up giving 'masala' to the media?" PM Modi said. "As if we're social scientists or scholars who can analyze every problem, the moment we see a cameraperson we rush to make a statement. We'll have to restrain ourselves," he added.
Controversies
If everybody comments, it harms party's and nation's image
Modi's suggestion to the party members against speaking out of turn to the media comes against the backdrop of some BJP leaders making controversial comments on the recent rape incidents and Dalit issues. According to a video of interaction posted on Modi's website, he said if everybody makes comments, then it ends up harming the nation's, party's and their personal image.
Information
Modi interacted with party leaders through his mobile app
Modi's comments through his mobile application, assume significance in the wake of opposition parties' attempts to put up a united front against the saffron party over Dalit issues and also criticism of some BJP leaders for making irresponsible statements.
Support
Responsibility of leaders has increased as public support has increased
Modi also underlined the support the BJP had received from backward sections by noting that it had the maximum number of elected lawmakers from OBC, Dalit, and tribal communities, and asserted that its reach was no longer confined to a particular class, urban centers, or north India. Modi told party leaders that their responsibility has risen as public support has increased for the BJP.
Information
Solve four to five problems of the villages
Modi also asked MPs and MLAs to take a resolve to solve four to five problems of the villages falling in their respective constituencies as he issued them several instructions to observe the ongoing "Gram Swaraj" campaign between April 14 and May 5.
Perception
People's perception about BJP has changed
BJP has not come to power due to Congress's mistakes but because it has always stayed connected to the people and now their job in power is to solve problems facing the masses, Modi said. The perception about the BJP that it was a party of a particular class has changed and it has emerged as an "all-touching and all-inclusive" organization, he said.
Information
Spread harmony in villages and bring development to the poor
Modi asked party leaders and workers to use technology a lot to link villages to development works. He also asked party workers to work to spread harmony in villages and bring development to the poor, farmers, Dalits, and tribals.