Prime minister Narendra Modi completed 11 years in power marks a significant milestone in indian political history—an era defined by powerful messaging, aggressive electoral strategies, and unwavering control over narrative. Yet, amid the many accolades and controversies, one striking fact remains: in all these years, Modi has never held a single unscripted press conference. This absence is not a coincidence, but rather a calculated decision that speaks volumes about the tightly controlled public image his team has crafted. While he often addresses the nation through monologues such as Mann Ki Baat or speaks at rallies, these are one-way communications with no room for real-time questions or scrutiny.
Critics argue that this avoidance reflects a fear of spontaneous dialogue—where tough questions from independent journalists might unravel the carefully curated persona. The Prime Minister’s public appearances are usually choreographed, with speeches delivered via teleprompter, interviews conducted with friendly media personnel, and events designed to ensure minimal unpredictability. In a thriving democracy, press conferences serve as a critical platform for transparency, allowing leaders to be questioned, challenged, and held accountable in real-time. Modi’s unwillingness to engage in this tradition raises concerns about accountability and the erosion of press freedom under his leadership.
Supporters of Modi often justify his style by pointing to his electoral mandate and the government’s achievements. However, democracy is not merely about winning elections—it is also about institutional checks and open dialogue. Eleven years, or 132 months without a single unfiltered press conference sets a troubling precedent. It signals a shift from participatory governance to a model reliant on spectacle, symbolism, and media control. As india continues to evolve as the world’s largest democracy, the absence of direct, unscripted communication from its highest elected leader is not just a missing tradition—it’s a missing pillar of democratic health.
Critics argue that this avoidance reflects a fear of spontaneous dialogue—where tough questions from independent journalists might unravel the carefully curated persona. The Prime Minister’s public appearances are usually choreographed, with speeches delivered via teleprompter, interviews conducted with friendly media personnel, and events designed to ensure minimal unpredictability. In a thriving democracy, press conferences serve as a critical platform for transparency, allowing leaders to be questioned, challenged, and held accountable in real-time. Modi’s unwillingness to engage in this tradition raises concerns about accountability and the erosion of press freedom under his leadership.
Supporters of Modi often justify his style by pointing to his electoral mandate and the government’s achievements. However, democracy is not merely about winning elections—it is also about institutional checks and open dialogue. Eleven years, or 132 months without a single unfiltered press conference sets a troubling precedent. It signals a shift from participatory governance to a model reliant on spectacle, symbolism, and media control. As india continues to evolve as the world’s largest democracy, the absence of direct, unscripted communication from its highest elected leader is not just a missing tradition—it’s a missing pillar of democratic health.
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