Even as 2002 anti-Muslim mayhem had tarnished his image and also greatly spoiled his relationship with media, in the subsequent decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had exploited Facebook and Twitter, where he has a large fan-following, to transform
himself to a protagonist of development and a catalyst of change.
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| Modi in action with a camera |
Thus, his Deepawali Milan at BJP headquarter and interaction with journalists and senior editors on October 25, 2014 would stand out as an important day of the calendar. But as usual it stood as a mere cosmetic yet again where Modi cleverly avoided fielding questions. Prime Minister Modi, who has
often disapproved of uncomfortable questions from journalists and television anchors, in his
first media interaction however today did not field any question from
the invited galaxy of editors
and news reporters. Instead he sprang a surprise when in a unique friendly gesture, he took the camera of a BJP’s official
photographer and clicked the cameraman’s photo instead. Today's media outreach came just
a day before the Prime Minister hosts a brief get together for NDA allies tomorrow, October 26.
The
occasion was 'Deepawali Milan', organised at the BJP headquarters at 11, Ashoka Road
Mr
Modi, who in 1990s used to stay at the party headquarters as a party
office-bearer before becoming Chief Minister of Gujarat
in 2001, said in a brief speech laced with characteristic humour, “I used
to arrange chairs here waiting for you.
Those
were different days when we used to interact freely. I had a beautiful
relationship with you and it helped me in Gujarat .”
Fondly recalling that relationship, the Prime Minister, who has not formally met the media since he took over, said he was looking for ways to further deepen and expand it. “Some way will be found. It is important to interact with media directly rather than the reportage and articles," said Prime Minister, who has in fact cherished and rightfully exploited the social networking sites much to his personal image building over the years.
Fondly recalling that relationship, the Prime Minister, who has not formally met the media since he took over, said he was looking for ways to further deepen and expand it. “Some way will be found. It is important to interact with media directly rather than the reportage and articles," said Prime Minister, who has in fact cherished and rightfully exploited the social networking sites much to his personal image building over the years.
Even
after taking over as Prime Mnister, while he ordered improvement of social
networking reach of the government
apparatus, he also had surprised media when he cancelled media team
accompanying Prime Ministers
for trip abroad. “By interacting directly, one gets to know things which media persons cannot
report. Not only does one get
information but also vision, which is very valuable,” he remarked.
The entire top brass of the government and BJP was present. They included
the party President Amit
Shah, senior ministers Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Sushma
Swaraj and Prakash Javdekar. The
stage, decorated with flowers, had a huge party poster with the images of a
smiling prime minister
and BJP
president Amit Shah. The Prime Minister sat flanked by Shah and Home
Minister Rajnath Singh on
either side on the stage. This was perhaps also a political signal as the trio of Amit Shah, Modi and Rajnath Singh are today running the affairs of the party.
In the ultimate, the message was very simple: Known as a Prime Minister for keeping the media at an arm's
length, Narendra Modi tried to reach out to the members of the fourth estate, which
has often lashed out at him for his alleged totalitarian style of functioning. The
Prime Minister in fact lauded journos for
rendering their critical support to his pet project of
'Swach Bharat (Clean India Campaign)'.
Telling journalists that “you have transformed your pen into
broom,” Mr Modi in his characteristic style said, “Of all the recent media coverage, I have not
seen any report in which effort was not made to inspire people to strive for a clean India
“The thinking earlier was that everything will be done by
the government. Now the thought is that we will all work together," he told a gathering over 400 journalists
including senior editors and others.
After his monologue address, Prime Minister
much to the surprise of many
including security personnel got down to personally interact
with editors and journalists. He was happily seen posing for selfies with the media
personnel. The interaction over tea was followed by lunch.
Referring to the 'Swachh Bharat' (Clean India
However, he said although 80 percent of the media coverage is criticism of
governments, this (cleanliness drive) is an issue which affects the country's image and impacts the
poorest most. “More important than health care is
preventive health care and cleanliness plays a crucial role in
this,” he said.
In fact, the Prime Minister had tweeted yesterday in reference
to media and Clean India
Referring to the 'Swachh Bharat' (Clean India
However, he said although 80 percent of the media coverage is criticism of
governments, this (cleanliness drive) is an issue which affects the country's image and impacts the
poorest most. “More important than health care is
preventive health care and cleanliness plays a crucial role in
this,” he said.
In fact, the Prime Minister had tweeted yesterday in reference
to media and Clean India
Tail Piece:
A flood of
snaps/selfies expected on social networking sites. 'Sickulars' and known Modi-bashers were no exception. .......badalte colour koi sickular se sikhey.(Changing colour is the lifestyle of sickular army),' remarked a few friends who saw a few smiling
and jostling for snaps....
THOSE WHO SWEAR BY
ANTI-NAMO RHETORIC WERE MORE KEEN TO BE SNAPPED WITH THE 'INDIAN
HITLER'........
there's limit, as they say or people know the butter slice is always with the throne!!
....all for selfless journalism, may be.
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