Modi’s lessons for BSY men

Bengaluru, Sept. 29: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi proved to be a riot with BJP ministers, giving them not just one but three lectures on day one of their ‘chinthan-manthan’ baitak in the verdant campus of Suttur Math, 30 kilometres from Mysore, on Tuesday. Mr. Modi gave two lectures in the morning and came back for another post-lunch.

Lesson one: Good governance. “Undertaking a developmental activity is not good governance by itself”, Mr Modi told the ministers, “All governments have to and will take up some development activity. What we have to emphasise is good governance”.

Lesson two: How to do it. “Know your job thoroughly. Anticipate things and prepare an action plan. Do not allow yourselves to be misguided by vested interests”, the Gujarat CM told the class. “Next comes clarity of thought, meticulous and methodical action, simplicity and humility in conduct and behaviour — these are some of the qualities that will enhance the minister’s and thereby the government’s image”, Mr Modi, often himself accused of being dictatorial, told them.

Gulihatti Shekhar and D. Sudhakar, independent ministers in the Yeddyurappa government told Deccan Chronicle that Mr Modi had not spoken about ideology, but had given them useful tips on administration.