Congress Slams PM Modi Over Lex Fridman Podcast, Calls It ‘Hypo(d)crisy’

The Congress on Sunday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his podcast appearance with computer scientist Lex Fridman, accusing him of avoiding press conferences while finding comfort in a US-based podcaster.

Congress general secretary for communications, Jairam Ramesh, took a sharp dig at Modi’s remarks in the podcast, particularly his statement that “criticism is the soul of democracy.” Ramesh accused the prime minister of systematically dismantling institutions meant to hold his government accountable and relentlessly targeting critics.

“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,” Ramesh wrote on X.

He further added, “And he has the gall to say that ‘criticism is the soul of democracy’ when he has systematically gutted every institution that is to hold his government accountable and gone after critics with a vengeance that no one in recent history has matched! There is no limit to Hypo(d)crisy.”

Modi’s Podcast With Lex Fridman

In his conversation with American computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman, PM Modi spoke about his childhood, the influence of Swami Vivekananda and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and his views on global geopolitics.

Modi revealed that he had urged Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in peace negotiations. He also discussed his relationship with former US President Donald Trump, drawing comparisons between Trump’s “America First” ideology and his own “India First” approach, emphasizing their shared commitment to national interests.

“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,” Modi stated.

The prime minister also spoke about his ideological roots, saying he felt blessed to have found his life’s purpose and the values of selfless service through the RSS, the ideological backbone of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Congress’s sharp criticism reflects the ongoing political divide over Modi’s media engagements and his broader governance approach.