Senior Congress leader and communication in-charge Jairam Ramesh has once again raised concerns over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach to media interactions, particularly questioning his absence from any formal press conference even after 11 years in power. Ramesh’s remarks come at a time when the BJP-led NDA government is marking the completion of over a decade in office.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh asked, “Why is the Prime Minister still running away from holding a press conference after 11 years?” He further claimed that while the Prime Minister frequently addresses the public through highly scripted speeches and interviews with pre-selected media houses, he has never faced open questions from independent journalists in a public press setting.
According to Ramesh, this reflects a significant gap in transparency and accountability. He said that in a democratic nation like India, elected leaders, especially the head of government, must regularly engage with the press to answer public concerns and provide clarity on national policies.
The Congress leader also pointed out that previous Prime Ministers, including Manmohan Singh, regularly addressed the media and were open to questions from a diverse range of journalists. He argued that this culture of accountability has weakened in the current government.
These remarks form part of the Congress party’s broader criticism of the BJP government’s communication strategy, which it alleges is heavily controlled, centralized, and lacking in openness. Ramesh accused the government of focusing more on managing public perception through social media campaigns rather than genuinely engaging with citizens and the media.
The BJP, on the other hand, has often dismissed such allegations, stating that Prime Minister Modi connects with the people more directly than any of his predecessors through programs like "Mann Ki Baat" and frequent public addresses. BJP leaders have also pointed out that the Prime Minister gives interviews and participates in public events.
However, critics argue that these interactions are largely one-sided and do not allow for real-time questions or spontaneous exchanges, which are essential in a vibrant democracy. Analysts say that the lack of a press conference in over a decade sets an unusual precedent in Indian democratic history.
The issue has sparked renewed debate on the role of the media and government accountability. With the general public increasingly relying on digital and social media for news, there are growing concerns that structured messaging is replacing the open dialogue that press conferences typically offer.
In conclusion, Jairam Ramesh’s pointed question about the Prime Minister’s continued absence from press conferences highlights an ongoing political conversation around transparency, media freedom, and democratic accountability in India.
