Don’t touch my feet, Modi tells MPs

Gestures perceived as sycophancy must be discontinued, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the newly elected MPs of the BJP, asking them to desist from practices such as touching the feet of senior leaders and offering to carry their bags.

Sources told The Hindu that Mr. Modi encouraged the MPs to focus their attention on the tasks cut out for them and let their work do the talking. He told them to do extensive research before talking, whether in Parliament or outside.

“He was very warm while interacting with the MPs, but his instructions were clear; he did not want anyone to touch his feet,” said a party functionary.

The Prime Minister’s diktat was “Deliver”. He has already instructed all Ministers to chart a course of action for the first 100 days.

He cautioned party members against complacency, and said the momentum that had been built should not be allowed to fizzle out. He asked them to keep their ear to the ground and maintain decorum in Parliament.

Addressing the meeting, BJP patriarch L.K. Advani asked the MPs to continue to work for the welfare of the common people and to consolidate on the gains. BJP president and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the new members.