In a democracy as vibrant and populous as India, regular engagement between the executive and the independent press is widely regarded as a cornerstone of accountability. Yet, more than 12 years into his tenure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not held a single open, unscripted solo press conference in India. This fact, described by the Editors Guild of India as “regrettable,” stands in sharp contrast to the practices of his predecessors and continues to spark debate about transparency in governance.
Since assuming office in May 2014, Modi has steered clear of the traditional format where journalists from across the media spectrum can freely pose tough, unpredictable questions. The nearest approximation occurred in 2019 at the conclusion of the Lok Sabha election campaign. Even then, Modi spoke only briefly before handing over the floor to BJP president Amit Shah to field queries. No comparable event has taken place since.
A Departure from Precedent
This approach marks a significant departure from earlier prime ministers. Manmohan Singh, Modi’s immediate predecessor, conducted around 114 press interactions during his decade in power, including a notable final press conference in January 2014 where he answered 62 unscripted questions. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Rajiv Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru also engaged with the press far more frequently through formal conferences and open interactions.
In contrast, Modi’s communication strategy has been highly controlled and direct-to-public. He has relied heavily on his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, massive public rallies, meticulously selected interviews (often with sympathetic or pre-vetted media outlets), and a strong presence on social media platforms. Supporters view this as an efficient, modern method that bypasses what they describe as legacy media bias, allowing the Prime Minister to connect straight with citizens without intermediaries.
Limited International Engagements
While Modi has participated in joint press appearances abroad—such as with US President Joe Biden in 2023 or during recent European visits—these events are typically tightly scripted. Questions are often limited, pre-selected, or shared in advance, with little room for spontaneous follow-ups or tough grilling on domestic issues.
The Debate on Accountability
Critics argue that the absence of open press conferences reduces democratic accountability. In an era where India’s press freedom rankings have faced international scrutiny and concerns about media independence persist, the lack of unfiltered engagement is seen by many journalists and opposition voices as a deliberate avoidance of scrutiny on key issues ranging from economic policy and unemployment to social harmony and federal relations.
The Editors Guild of India has repeatedly highlighted this gap, urging the Prime Minister to restore the tradition of open interactions. They contend that such forums are essential for a healthy democracy, allowing the government to address concerns directly and demonstrate confidence in its record.
Defenders of Modi’s style counter that he has given over 100 interviews during his tenure and maintains an active information ecosystem through government channels and friendly media. They argue that lengthy, structured interviews and public addresses serve the same purpose more effectively than adversarial press conferences, which can sometimes devolve into spectacle rather than substance. Several populist and strongman-style leaders globally have similarly minimized such interactions.
Style Over Tradition?
Ultimately, Modi’s preference reflects a broader shift in political communication worldwide—one that favors controlled messaging, direct outreach, and narrative dominance over the older model of regular, unpredictable press scrutiny. Whether this represents prudent discipline or a concerning evasion of accountability remains a matter of perspective.
In India’s mature democracy, the tradition of prime ministers facing the press in open settings has long been valued as a symbol of openness. Its prolonged absence under the current dispensation continues to be noted by observers, both domestically and internationally, as a notable departure from established democratic norms.
As India navigates complex challenges in the years ahead, the question persists: would occasional open press conferences strengthen or merely complicate the government’s ability to communicate its achievements and address public concerns? The answer may lie in striking a balance between disciplined messaging and the transparency that citizens expect from their highest elected office.
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