Modi dials up old BJP colleague, enquires about COVID-19 situation in HP

Dr Prem Gupta, a veteran BJP member from Himachal Pradesh, was in for a pleasant surprise as he received a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inquired about his well-being and the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the state. Gupta and Modi had worked closely together in 1994-95, when the latter was the party's in-charge for Himachal Pradesh.

Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh):A veteran BJP member in Himachal Pradesh was in for a pleasant surprise on Friday as he received a phone call from his decades-old friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It was business as usual for 83-year-old Dr Prem Gupta, who has been associated with the BJP for decades now. Gupta, a resident of Paonta Sahib, was all set for his post-lunch nap, when at around 2.45 pm, he received a call from Purushottam Guleria, the vice-president of the BJP's state unit.

Guleria told Gupta to stay near the phone, as he would receive a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi anytime.

Gupta said that around 2.56 pm, he received a call from a 'private number'. He said his joy knew no bounds as the Prime Minister addressed him by his name and inquired about his well-being.

The Prime Minister then asked Gupta about his health, his children, and whether he still was an active member of the BJP - to which the 83-year-old replied 'yes'.

Read:Exclusive: Himachal CM talks about coronavirus crisis & lockdown measures in state

Finally, PM Modi went on to ask Gupta about the COVID-19 situation and whether the state government had done a good job to deal with the pandemic.

The telephone conversation lasted for about three and a half minutes, Gupta said, adding that it was a moment of immense pride for him that the Prime Minister of the country still remembered him by his name and spoke with him.

The call to Gupta comes a day after PM Modi had similarly called Kangra resident Chamanlal and asked him about the COVID-19 situation.

Gupta, who first entered politics in 1958 with the Jan Sangh, continued his association with the Janata Party and eventually as one of the most important members of the local BJP unit.

Gupta, who has served as the president of the BJP's Paonta Mandal unit five times, had worked closely with PM Modi during 1994-95, when the latter was serving as the party's Himachal Pradesh in-charge.

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