Reaching out to the media with which he has had a lukewarm relationship, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had some good words for the press today, promising to find a way to interact with it directly.
The occasion was provided by a 'Diwali milan' (get-together) organised by the BJP at its headquarters here at which some 400 hundred journalists, including top editors, were present.
Modi, who used to stay at the party headquarters as an party office-bearer before becoming Chief Minister of Gujarat, 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 in May, 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.
"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 said.
The entire top brass of the government and BJP were present at the get-together. This included the party President Amit Shah, senior ministers Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj and Prakash Javdekar.
