Reach out to people for feedback on government: PM

BJP MPs on Tuesday were asked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to undertake a padayatra (walking tour) of their constituencies between October 2 and 31, the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel respectively.

Addressing a BJP parliamentary party meeting, Mr. Modi also asked Rajya Sabha members to visit constituencies where the party’s organisation was weak.

150 km target

“Prime Minister Modi told MPs that everyone should carry out a 150-km padayatra in their constituencies during the period starting from October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, to October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,” Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi said after the meeting.

Sharing details of the proposed programme, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal said Mr. Modi underlined that these padayatras should focus on villages and reaching out to public.

“Modiji told MPs that 150 groups should be formed in each constituency which will cover 150 kms and the party MPs will be part of these groups. The idea is to reach out to the public and seek their feedback on the government’s work and their expectations from us,” he said.

Gandhian thought

Mr. Meghwal said Mr. Modi underlined that Mahatma Gandhi and villages will be the focus and MPs should discuss Gandhian thoughts with the people. Mr. Modi also suggested that planting trees, cleanliness and other issues related to villages could become part of the tours marches, Mr. Meghwal said.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also addressed the meet and spoke on the Union Budget, tabled last week.