By The Sampadak Express
On Sunday, the Congress party launched a strong critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his appearance on a podcast hosted by computer scientist Lex Fridman. Congress accused Modi of avoiding press conferences and instead choosing to engage in discussions with a foreign podcaster.
Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary for communications, took to social media to express his dissatisfaction, highlighting the prime minister’s remarks about the importance of criticism in a democracy. Ramesh condemned Modi for allegedly undermining democratic institutions that were meant to hold his government accountable. According to Ramesh, Modi has also been aggressively targeting his critics.
Ramesh posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “He who is afraid of facing the media in a press conference has found comfort in a foreign podcaster anchored in the right-wing ecosystem.”
He further criticized Modi’s claim that “criticism is the soul of democracy,” arguing that the prime minister had systematically dismantled institutions meant to hold his government to account while retaliating against critics with unprecedented intensity. Ramesh added, “There is no limit to Hypo(d)crisy.”
PM Modi’s Discussion on Lex Fridman Podcast
In the podcast, Modi discussed various topics, including his childhood, the influence of Swami Vivekananda, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and geopolitics. He shared insights about his personal journey and ideological influences, emphasizing his connection with the RSS and its role in shaping his views and values.
The prime minister also touched upon international relations, notably his diplomatic efforts in urging Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to seek peace in the ongoing conflict. Modi reflected on his relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, drawing a parallel between Trump’s “America First” policy and his own “India First” approach, underscoring their shared focus on national interests.
Modi commented on Trump’s current political positioning, noting, “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.”
The prime minister also spoke about his life’s purpose and the values of selfless service he attributed to the RSS, which he described as the spiritual foundation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
While Modi’s podcast garnered attention for its personal revelations and international insights, the Congress party’s remarks highlight the ongoing political tension between the ruling BJP and the opposition, focusing on concerns about media transparency and accountability.
