Modi famously avoids live pressers; attends scripted ones: journo
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Melbourne: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach to interacting with the media during overseas visits has once again come under political scrutiny after remarks by an Australian television reporter went viral on social media.
During Modi's visit to Melbourne, Seven News reporter Blake Johnson remarked that the Prime Minister generally avoids live press conferences and instead participates in pre-scheduled events. The comment, made alongside visuals of Modi walking during the visit, has been widely circulated online.
"Narendra Modi famously avoids unscripted news conferences, preferring instead more stage-managed appearances," 7News quoted.
The episode has revived criticism from the opposition, which has repeatedly pointed out that Modi has not held a solo press conference since assuming office in 2014. While he has given interviews to selected media outlets and answered questions during joint appearances with foreign leaders, journalists have alleged that he avoids unscripted questioning.
The report also referred to a similar incident during Modi's visit to Norway, where journalist Helle Ling Svendsen questioned why he did not respond to questions from what she described as one of the world's freest media. Modi did not respond and walked away, triggering a political controversy. At the time, the Ministry of External Affairs defended India's democratic credentials, while opposition parties used the episode to criticise the Prime Minister.
The BJP, however, has defended Modi's communication style. Party MP Tejasvi Surya has argued that traditional press conferences are no longer the only means of public communication, maintaining that the Prime Minister regularly conveys his views through election rallies, public meetings, his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme and social media.
The Australian reporter's latest remarks have once again reignited political debate over Modi's engagement with the media, with opposition leaders and journalists continuing to question his reluctance to face unscripted press interactions.