AGARTALA, Aug 27 (TIWN): A meeting of the chief ministers of the states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was inaugurated here on Saturday by party President Amit Shah.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers of his cabinet will also attend the conclave, being held at at Maharashtra Sadan.

Addressing the gathering, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the states play an important role in the development of the country and BJP-ruled states have made major contributions.

"States play an important role in the development of the country. There are more than a thousand BJP MLAs in all over the country, (and) more than 300 MPs," Fadnavis said, citing Amit Shah.

He said 33 per cent of India's population resides in BJP-ruled states, which also account for about 52 per cent of the country's geographical area and 41 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP).

Chief ministers of BJP-ruled states have to give presentations on measures initiated by them to help the poor.

Fadnavis said having rapid development and change in BJP-ruled states would contribute to good governance of the country.

Hosted by the party's good governance cell, the conclave is also being attended by the BJP's deputy chief ministers and leaders of opposition in the state legislatures.

Sources told IANS that the day long meeting will conclude with the Prime Minister's speech.