The Congress party on Sunday strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for participating in a podcast with American computer scientist Lex Fridman, highlighting his reluctance to hold press conferences while engaging with a foreign podcaster.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary for communications, took issue with PM Modi’s remarks on the podcast, particularly his statement that “criticism is the soul of democracy.” Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of dismantling institutions meant to ensure government accountability and aggressively targeting his critics.
“He who is afraid of facing the media in a press conference has found comfort in a foreign podcaster anchored in the rightwing ecosystem,” Ramesh wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He further added, “And he has the gall to say that ‘criticism is the soul of democracy’ when he has systematically gutted every institution that is to hold his Government accountable and gone after critics with a vengeance that no one in recent history has matched! There is no limit to Hypo(d)crisy.”
During his conversation with Fridman, PM Modi discussed various topics, including his early life, the influence of Swami Vivekananda, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and international diplomacy. He spoke about his peace negotiation efforts with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as his relationship with former US President Donald Trump.
Discussing Trump’s leadership, Modi noted similarities between Trump’s “America First” policy and his own “India First” approach, emphasizing a shared focus on national interests. He remarked, “I have observed President Trump both during his first term and now in his second run. This time, he seems far more prepared than before. He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals.”
PM Modi also acknowledged the influence of the RSS in shaping his values, expressing gratitude for the organization’s role in instilling in him a sense of selfless service. The interview, while offering insights into Modi’s philosophy and governance, has sparked fresh political debate, with the opposition questioning his media approach and democratic accountability.
