Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Bharatiya Janata Party’s two-day workshop on Sunday (September 7) at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium in the Parliament complex. The workshop, aimed at upgrading the efficiency of BJP and NDA parliamentarians, was attended by several MPs. A photo shared by Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan on X showed the prime minister sitting in the very last row of the auditorium beside other NDA MPs.
In his post, Ravi Kishan wrote that the prime minister sitting at the back row reflects the spirit of the BJP. In this party, every worker counts as part of the organisation. The image quickly gained attention. It symbolised Modi’s message of simplicity and equality within the party.
Focus on Training and Party Evolution
The workshop was designed to include four sessions spread across two days. Party leaders informed MPs about the BJP’s history, its journey of growth, and its vision for the future. Alongside these discussions, MPs were given guidance to improve their effectiveness in parliamentary proceedings.
Another focus of the workshop was to train MPs about correct voting procedures for the upcoming election of the Vice-President of India, scheduled on September 9. Training included instructions on marking ballots properly. It also covered using the election officer’s pen, and folding and placing the ballot paper correctly in the box. Party sources said this training was essential. The vice-presidential election is conducted by secret ballot. Party whips do not apply, making it important to minimise invalid or cross votes.
The BJP-led NDA has fielded C P Radhakrishnan, who is currently the Governor of Maharashtra, as its vice-presidential candidate. He will face opposition nominee B Sudarshan Reddy, a retired Supreme Court judge. With NDA’s current strength in Parliament, numbers are seen in favour of Radhakrishnan, making his victory highly likely.
GST Slab Changes Approved
During the workshop, MPs also welcomed and praised the recent restructuring of GST rates by the Goods and Services Tax Council. On September 3, the Council approved a significant reduction in the number of tax slabs. Additionally, it cut taxes on many essential goods and services.
As per the new framework, only two major tax slabs, 5% and 18%, will continue. A higher rate of 40% will apply only to luxury and sin goods. Party MPs thanked Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for pushing through the reform. This change is expected to simplify the tax system and give relief to common people.
The workshop, combining both organisational learning and legislative training, underlined BJP’s strategy. It aims to prepare its MPs ahead of the crucial September 9 vice-presidential election.
