This Article is From Mar 02, 2015

PM Narendra Modi Has Lunch for Rs 29, in Parliament

PM Narendra Modi Has Lunch for Rs 29, in Parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking in the Lok Sabha

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today had lunch in Parliament and ran up a princely 29-rupee bill, which was reportedly paid by one of his ministers.

Chhedi Paswan, a BJP MP from Bihar, and Mansukhbhai Vasava, a member from Gujarat, were settling down for their usual lunch at the members' canteen, when in walked PM Narendra Modi. He headed straight for their table and sat down.

The MP canteen is not a place where prime ministers are seen often - or ever.

"So how are things in Bihar?" the PM asked Chhedi Paswan, who fumbled for an answer.

Mr Modi then turned towards the surprised canteen staff and said, "Kuchh khana khila doh (please give me some food)."

Knowing that the prime minister is a vegetarian, an employee offered a vegetarian thali or platter, featuring Saag, salad, dal and curry. The PM nodded.

The prime minister took around 20 minutes to finish his meal, all the while chatting with the Gujarat MP.

When it was time to pay, the canteen staff hesitated to charge the prime minister, who insisted on paying.

Chhedi Paswan, who perhaps had the most nervous meal of his life, said:  "The energy and coal minister (Piyush Goyal) was around and he picked up the tab. The thali costs RS 29-30. He paid."

PM Modi left after thanking the staff and signing the visitors' diary, in which he called the canteen staff "Annadata (God who provides meals)."

The Parliament canteen is among the cheapest eateries in the country; lawmakers and even journalists can have a hearty meal for an eye-popping Rs. 12. The costliest dish is a plate of chicken biryani, which costs Rs. 34.

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