PM Modi addresses NDA MPs during a high tea hosted by him in New Delhi (Press Trust of India photo)
Over tea on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked some 400 parliamentarians of his BJP and allies to rise above politics and remind people that the government was with the economically deprived.
"Let us think far. Let us think big. Let us think above politics to chart a new course for the country," the Prime Minister reportedly said at a high tea that he hosted for MPs at his 7 Race Course Road residence.
He urged them to keep connecting with people through the "Swachh Bharat" or Clean India campaign that he launched on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary on October 2.
The MPs were asked to visit schools in their area over a five-day period from November 14, the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, one of the Congress party's top icons.
"Take to the people the work done by the NDA government for the welfare of the poor. Explain the importance of hygiene to children," one of the MPs quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
This was Mr Modi's first meeting with all MPs of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance since he took charge in May; last week he held a dinner meeting with his ministers.
In PM Modi's message to MPs, many see a balancing act after a series of pro-development reforms.
Other ministers also briefed the gathering on the schemes and initiatives of the government.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu urged the lawmakers to be on their best behavior in the upcoming winter session; prepare for and raise the quality of debates and warned against "questionable conduct".
BJP veteran LK Advani and party chief Amit Shah addressed the MPs too.
A contingent of the BJP's former ally Shiv Sena also attended the tea party, in the middle of tentative moves by both parties to reunite for a coalition government in Maharashtra. The two ended their alliance in the state last month but the Sena remains a part of the central government.