You have turned pen into a broom: PM Modi thanks media for coverage on cleanliness

New Delhi: Reaching out to media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded its role in spreading awareness about his pet 'Clean India' campaign, saying it has helped remove the perception that government is responsible for everything.

At his first interaction with the media in Delhi after becoming the Prime Minister and in many years, he recalled his fond relations with the media when he was a BJP office-bearer before going to Gujarat as Chief Minister in 2001.

Using the Diwali milan (get-together) organised by BJP chief Amit Shah at the party headquarters, Modi freely mixed with a few hundred journalists, including top editors and reporters.

"I used to arrange chairs here (BJP office) waiting for you (media). Those were different days when we used to interact freely. I had a beautiful relationship with you and it helped me in Gujarat," he told the assembled editors, reporters and other journalists at Diwali milan (get-together) hosted by BJP President Amit Shah at the party headquarters.

Fondly recalling the deep relationship he had with the media, Modi said he was looking for ways to further deepen and expand the old relationship.

"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.

I saw several TV channels showing dirt left behind after crackers. I congratulate them for spreading awareness on importance of cleanliness

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 24, 2014

Here are the highlights of PM Modi's address to journalists:

• There was a time when I used to wait for media persons to arrive/put chairs for them, had friendly relations with all
• Extend my wishes for Bhai Dooj and also New Year
• I am seeking to strengthen ties with media
• In last one month have read several articles on ‘Swachta’, a lot is being discussed in social media too
• I believe there are several columnists who have written for years but are writing on ‘Swachta’ for 1st time, a great service to nation
• Cleanliness is one of the biggest media for preventive healthcare