Exclusive: Zero interaction with media of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in last 10 years questions practice of democracy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not addressed a single press conference in last 10 years, despite completing two terms of his office. The news made headlines after, former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s addressal to press conference marked a decade, on 3rd January 2024. According to the information, on 3rd January 2014 was the last time, Indian Prime Minister attended journalist’s questions. They were all unscripted and 62 in total, and were answered in the presence of 100+ journalists. In a X post by journalist Pankaj Pachauri, ‘Dr Singh’s press conference was not just a routine affair, it was a platform where he launched a scathing attack on BJP’s then prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, branding him a disaster. The former PM, however, remained steadfast in defending his tenure, dismissing accusations of weakness and a reluctance to speak.’
Opposition minister, Manish Tewari who is Congress MP, in X post mentioned Press conferences attended by former PM during his term of office. ‘Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh addressed/interacted with the Press 117 times during his 10-year tenure between 2004-14’, it said. Meanwhile, Narendra Modi is about to finish his second term of office and while comparing his approach towards press to Dr Manmohan Singh, lack of transparency is the biggest challenge for Indian media, under BJP government, according to freelance journalist Sugandha.
Sugandha has worked for various Indian media organizations before working independently. While recalling, former Indian PM Dr Manmohan Singh’s interaction with press, she said, ‘He was easily approachable. He had addressed media or conferences several times during his work tenure. More than 100 times in 10 years, which is a decent number. It is a fair representation of how a democratic country should run, considering media as fourth pillar of democracy. On the other side, current Prime Minister hasn’t addressed one proper conference yet, which is problematic in itself.’ She further added that, while supporters dismiss it with ‘not an important’ matter to be discuss, as a part of media community, it means sidelining the significance of communication.
An opinion published by Nation Herald says, ‘The No Modi Press Meet signage on every TV screen, scrolling on a loop behind the pretty anchor, should remind Modi every single passing minute that he is afraid of to face the press! Afraid of the uncomfortable questions! The reality is Modi will not change. But an intervention is needed. The television media should intervene’. However, Sugandha believes Television media is inclined towards government’s agenda. She said, ‘There are positively multiple reasons why current Prime Minister avoids press conference. One of them is, he have no answers to demonetization, farmer suicides, communal disturbance, unemployment, internet shutdowns. Suggesting Television media should intervene will not have an outcome, because mainstream media in India is completely promoting government’s agenda. They have become their spokesperson.’ In addition, ‘Even though people are calling his leadership strong and stable, it is important for citizens to realize that they deserve right to information and transparency. They should not overlook such factors for receiving the religion supremacy’, she said.
Can the comparison released by media houses right before general elections, affect current ruling party in any way? Certainly not, as civilians do not indicate this as a problem, described by Sugandha. She told EAT news, ‘I have talked to many people around me regarding the zero interaction of Prime Minister with media people, and does not bother voters. Apparently, the religion, food, and job is a main consideration of people while voting. So not specifically the information will have an impact on voters. Irrespective of the fact that BJP has won votes on the name of religion, there are people who are raising questions over how government is practicing democracy. Internet shutdowns during protests, media houses speaking against government are either shut down or raided, women security is vulnerable, communal disturbance over little things, are some of the major concerns, that originated after BJP came in rule.’
Although, opposition in India is coming together as a major ally against BJP in general elections, supporters are still counting on current government. On asking, if the possibilities of BJP coming back in power is in higher ration than others, Sugandha shared her opinion, not as a journalist but a citizen. ‘Personally, I think there are higher chances of BJP to come in power because, the foundation has become so strong within years, people have started trusting. Their agenda of Nationalism, Digital India and self-sufficient approach is appreciated by citizens. But, if it comes further, the zero interaction with media will continue and it will have an impact on media practice in country. If we are not getting answers from the person who is running the country, how can we rely on his decisions? I want this to reach to him’, she said.