Modi meets Rajya Sabha MPs over breakfast, asks them to stay away from lobbyists

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a breakfast meeting with 36 Rajya Sabha members, including former members of the Trinamool Congress and Aam Aadmi Party, and cautioned them to remain connected with their roots and constituencies, while staying away from lobbyists and power brokers who could misuse their positions, sources close to the matter reported.

"He emphasized that we should value our seat in the House, as thousands vie for that position," said one lawmaker, speaking anonymously. Modi advised the lawmakers to avoid those posing as well-wishers, likening them to a spider's web, and urged them to stay rooted and not lose sight of their ground, reflecting habits he follows himself.

During the meeting, he divided lawmakers into batches, guiding them on parliamentary practices and suggesting the older members visit the library to familiarize themselves with processes. Reiterating his advice to spend time in the library, Modi noted that only a few lawmakers regularly utilize the resource. Regarding technology's role, Modi cautioned the lawmakers about its misuse and emphasized the importance of good communication with constituents, particularly with the youth, using technology appropriately.

The lawmakers were also given a SWOT analysis of their social media presence, instructed to maintain decorum while commenting in the media, and mindful of technology's potential misuse. One lawmaker recalled Modi responding to a question about his multitasking method by saying, "I live in the moment," and urged lawmakers to remain aware of their surroundings, walk frequently, and not treat parliamentary sessions lightly.

Notable attendees included Tarun Chugh, Vinod Tawde, Rajneesh Agrawal, A Sharda Devi, and former leaders from the AAP, TMC, and Biju Janata Dal, such as Swati Maliwal, Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Sushmita Dev, and Debasish Samantray.