'Prefers direct contact': MEA on New Zealand scribe's query on PM Modi
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's preference for direct engagement with voters over traditional press conferences. Officials stated that Modi's political style is rooted in direct contact, which resonates with India's predominantly rural electorate.
Why it matters
This provides insight into the communication strategies of a major world leader and the cultural expectations of political engagement in India.
NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a "quintessential" Indian politician who prefers direct engagement with the electorate and don't like being spoken to through intermediaries.While addressing a media briefing in New Zealand, when MEA Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon was asked why PM Modi had not held a press conference or interacted with journalists during his visit here.Tandon chuckled and said that the question gave him a sense of "déjà vu", recalling a similar query raised during the Prime Minister's visit to Norway earlier this year."So you know, your question has that quality of deja vu, because see, it's not appropriate for me as a civil servant to question Mr. Modi's political method, he's a very successful politician," Tandon said."But let me give you some context. Prime Minister Modi is a quintessential Indian politician.
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