(Corutesy: Google Gemini) The contrast between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former PM Manmohan Singh regarding media engagement is one of the most cited differences in their leadership styles. While Dr. Singh was often criticized for his silence in Parliament, he was remarkably accessible to the press. Conversely, PM Modi is known for his powerful public oratory but has famously not held a single unscripted, open-floor press conference in India during his tenure (2014–2026).
Here is a breakdown of the differences and the reasons behind PM Modi’s strategy:
1. Comparison of Media Engagement
| Feature | Dr. Manmohan Singh (2004–2014) | Narendra Modi (2014–2026) |
| Press Conferences | Addressed/interacted with the press 117 times. Held 10 major annual pressers. | Zero open, unscripted press conferences in India. |
| Format | Often took unscripted questions from 100+ journalists at a time. | Prefers one-way communication (Mann Ki Baat, Rallies) or curated interviews. |
| Interviews | Frequently gave interviews to a wide range of national and international media. | Limits interviews to select outlets; critics often describe these as “pre-scripted” or “friendly.” |
| Foreign Trips | Usually held press conferences on the flight back or at the destination. | Rarely takes questions abroad (a rare exception was at the White House in 2023). |
2. Why does PM Modi avoid the press?
Political analysts and the PM himself have offered different reasons for this shift in strategy:
- Controlling the Narrative: PM Modi prefers direct communication with the public. By using social media(X/Twitter) and his radio show Mann Ki Baat, he can deliver his message exactly as he wants, without the “filtering” or “distortion” of journalists.
- Perceived Media Hostility: Following the 2002 Gujarat riots, Modi had several high-profile clashes with English-language media (most famously walking out of an interview with Karan Thapar). His supporters argue that the mainstream media is “biased” against him, so he bypasses them entirely to avoid “traps.”
- The “Strongman” Image: A press conference involves a leader being grilled or potentially appearing stuck. By avoiding this format, he maintains an image of an undisputed, decisive leader who is “above” the petty squabbles of the newsroom.
- Disdain for “Lutyens’ Media”: PM Modi has often expressed that the traditional media elite in Delhi (the “Lutyens’ circle”) is out of touch with the “real India.” He views himself as a leader who speaks directly to the “common man” through digital platforms.
3. The “Silent PM” vs. the “Talking PM”
Ironically, the labels have flipped over time:
- Manmohan Singh was mocked by the BJP as Maun (Silent) Mohan Singh because he rarely spoke in Parliament or gave fiery speeches. However, he was highly “vocal” in front of the press.
- Narendra Modi is seen as a “vocal” PM because he gives hundreds of speeches a year, yet critics call him “silent” because he does not engage in the accountability of a Q&A session with the media.
4. What is the impact?
- Supporters see this as a brilliant use of modern technology to cut out “middlemen” and “biased” journalists.
- Critics argue this is a blow to democracy, as press conferences are a vital way for the public to hold the head of government accountable for issues like the economy, unemployment, or security.
Would you like me to find some of the most famous “unscripted” moments from Manmohan Singh’s press conferences to compare with Modi’s speeches?