In the grand theater of Indian democracy, a peculiar paradox plays out, one that would make even the most seasoned political satirists shake their heads in disbelief. Our Prime Minister, a master of global diplomacy and a vocal proponent of “Vocal for Local,” appears to be far more vocal in Washington than in Washim.
The Curious Case of Missing Press Conferences
For a decade, Indian journalists have been engaged in an unending game of “Where’s Modi?”—not in the literal sense (his image graces every billboard in sight), but in the realm of press accessibility. The current scoreboard reads:
- Press Conferences in India: 0
- Press Conferences Abroad: Multiple, including notable appearances in the U.S.
- Mann Ki Baat Episodes: Too many to count
- Scripted Interviews: Infinite
For comparison, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh—often criticized for his silence—conducted over 100 press conferences during his tenure. The irony is almost poetic.
A Tale of Two Democracies: How the Rules Change
When on foreign soil, our Prime Minister transforms into an open and engaging statesman, a stark contrast to his communication style at home:
Abroad:
Takes unscripted questions
Addresses controversial topics
Engages in open dialogue
Demonstrates remarkable English proficiency
Appears comfortable with challenging queries
At Home:
Maintains strategic silence
Prefers monologues over dialogues
Favors controlled environments
Delivers pre-recorded messages
Chooses carefully curated interviews
The Adani Episode: A Case Study in Selective Communication
The recent press conference in the U.S., following the meeting with then-President Trump, offered a textbook example of this dual approach. When asked about the Adani case—a question that would make Indian journalists eager for an answer—the PM responded with a philosophical flourish:
“India is a democracy, and our culture is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—we consider the whole world as one family.”
Probable translation: “I can dodge questions in Sanskrit too!”
The Context:
- The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) charged Gautam Adani with allegedly paying $250 million in bribes.
- The case involved solar power contracts.
- Trump’s executive order conveniently paused enforcement of the relevant law.
Crunching the Numbers: The Democratic Deficit in Figures
Press Conferences in 10 Years:
- Modi in India: 0
- Manmohan Singh: 100+ (and yet, he was mocked as “Maun-Mohan”)
- Global Democratic Leaders (Average): 20+ annually
Questions Answered:
- In India: Carefully scripted and moderated
- Abroad: Relatively spontaneous
- Mann Ki Baat: A one-way monologue
- Public Speeches: Delivered with the indispensable teleprompter
Why the Art of Selective Accessibility?
The PM has perfected what political scientists might call “strategic communication asymmetry”—or, in simpler terms, “playing hard to get.” Imagine a neighbor who never shows up for local society meetings but is the star of international summits.
This selective accessibility raises several critical questions:
- Why does the leader of the world’s largest democracy avoid press conferences at home?
- How does this impact democratic discourse?
- What message does this send to the citizenry?
- Can Mann Ki Baat ever be a true substitute for direct two-way communication?
Colonial Hangover or Global Stage Preference?
There’s something undeniably telling about a leader who finds it easier to engage with foreign media than with domestic journalists. It’s akin to a parent who is a strict disciplinarian at home but an affable charmer at parent-teacher meetings.
What This Means for Indian Democracy
A healthy democracy requires regular press conferences—not as rare occurrences, like solar eclipses, but as a fundamental aspect of governance. It is about fostering dialogue, ensuring transparency, and holding those in power accountable. Press conferences should not be events that people eagerly anticipate because of their rarity but should be a routine and robust element of democratic practice.
This ongoing reluctance to engage with the press reflects more than just a communication gap; it signals a democratic deficit. When a leader appears more comfortable addressing foreign journalists than answering questions from their own country’s media, it underscores a troubling imbalance in political discourse.
At The End: A Call for True Democratic Engagement
Democracy isn’t just about elections every five years; it’s about continuous engagement, accountability, and—yes—press conferences, even when the questions are uncomfortable.
Until then, Indian journalists will continue to watch their foreign counterparts ask the questions they’ve been yearning to ask for years, all while brushing up on their Sanskrit—just in case their next question is met with another philosophical non-answer.
Because in the world’s largest democracy, press conferences should not be as elusive as parental approval for love marriages—theoretically possible but practically rare.