NDA can help chart new course for India: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in power with its 400-odd MPs represents a big force with positive energy and can help chart a new course for the country.

"Let us think big. Let us think far. Let us think above politics," Modi said while addressing NDA MPs at a post-Diwali high tea hosted by him at his residence.

All Shiv Sena MPs including Union Heavy Industries Minister Anant Geete were present at the event, as suspense continued over whether the Uddhav Thackeray-led party will be part of the BJP-led government in Maharashtra.

The Prime Minister, who also talked about the recently launched Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, said the initiative has received tremendous response from all sections of society and called upon all NDA MPs to connect with people as they undertake efforts in this regard for Swachh Bharat in their areas.

He urged the MPs to visit schools in their areas over a five-day period beginning November 14, the 125th birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and explain to children the importance of hygiene.

This, he said, would send a positive message.

The Prime Minister said that achieving 'Swachh Bharat' is a tough call but can be achieved with the same spirit as people of the country got together to eradicate polio.

The Prime Minister urged the MPs to take to the people, the work done by the NDA Government for the welfare of the poor.

He also felicitated BJP President Amit Shah for the party's recent success in Assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra.

Shah, in his remarks, also called upon the MPs to go and explain to the people, the work being done by the NDA Government.

Greeting the assembled MPs on the occasion of Diwali, senior leader L K Advani said that this festival was the best he had ever experienced, as the party had risen to unprecedented heights.