PM Modi recalls journalists breaking news of his 2001 Gujarat appointment
The Prime Minister asked the media to focus on the country's success stories and spread awareness about drug abuse.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday recalled how a group of journalists informed him in 2001 that he was to become the Chief Minister of Gujarat. According to reports from Times Now and The Times of India, the Prime Minister was addressing journalists at the BJP headquarters when he shared the anecdote.
Modi said that when the news first broke, only two to four senior BJP leaders were aware of the decision. He recalled a group of journalists walking into his room at the party office on 11 Ashoka Road and demanding he distribute sweets, or 'mithai', because he was being sent to Gujarat to take over as Chief Minister.
The Prime Minister noted that he initially denied any knowledge of the development, but the reporters insisted they knew the decision and accused him of withholding information. He also remembered how several journalists travelled to his swearing-in ceremony in Gujarat by making their own travel and accommodation arrangements.
Addressing the media's evolution, Modi said he has seen it change from the era of press releases to Instagram reels. He praised the dedication of field reporters who head towards disaster sites during accidents, earthquakes, or floods.
Modi urged media organisations to work on the success stories of the country and to spread awareness regarding the fight against drug abuse. He also stated that 50 crore people have been elevated from below the poverty line in the last 12 years, according to the World Bank.
The event was hosted by BJP president Nitin Nabin and attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Health Minister JP Nadda.