Modi tells Rajya Sabha MPs to stay rooted, avoid power brokers and connect with people

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday advised a group of 36 Rajya Sabha members to remain connected to their roots, stay in touch with their constituencies and avoid lobbyists and power brokers who could misuse their position during a breakfast interaction held amid the ongoing Parliament session.

According to lawmakers present at the meeting, Modi said MPs should value their place in Parliament, noting that thousands aspire to hold such positions. He cautioned them against individuals who may appear helpful but seek to influence or exploit them, likening such people to a “spider’s web.”

The Prime Minister also encouraged members, particularly first-time parliamentarians, to learn parliamentary procedures, spend time in the Parliament library and familiarise themselves with the institution’s history and artworks. He reiterated his long-standing advice that MPs make greater use of the library.

Modi stressed the responsible use of technology and social media, urging lawmakers to maintain decorum in public communication, stay connected with constituents and engage with young people through digital platforms. MPs were reportedly given a SWOT analysis of their social media presence during the interaction.

He also advised lawmakers to remain physically active, observe their surroundings, and approach Parliament sessions with seriousness, citing his own habit of walking whenever possible.

The meeting was attended by BJP president Nitin Nabin, senior party leaders Tarun Chugh, Vinod Tawde, Rajneesh Agrawal and A. Sharda Devi, along with several Rajya Sabha members, including former leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party, Trinamool Congress and Biju Janata Dal such as Swati Maliwal, Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Sushmita Dev and Debasish Samantray.