Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, November 12, urged journalists to focus on what he described as India’s success stories, while highlighting his government’s achievements during a Diwali Milan gathering at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi.
Modi also recalled his long association with the media, saying he had witnessed journalism evolve from the days of press releases to Instagram reels.
“I have interacted with media and seen it evolve from days of press releases to Instagram reels,” he said.
Recalling his early days in the BJP, Modi said he used to arrange chairs and welcome journalists at party events and yatras in the early 1990s. He said he continued handling similar responsibilities after moving to Delhi.
“Those who have been around for a long time know that I have had a close and cordial relationship with all of you for many years,” he said.
Modi Asks Media to Focus on Success Stories
During the address, Modi asked the media to highlight what he called the country’s success stories and said journalists were already doing considerable work in this area.
“I request Indian media to work on success stories of the country… a lot of such work is already being done,” he said.
He also praised field reporters for reaching difficult locations, including areas affected by crises and disasters. Modi urged journalists to spread awareness about the fight against drug abuse.
PM Claims 50 Crore People Lifted Out of Poverty
The prime minister highlighted his government’s performance across sectors and said India would become a developed country.
Claiming that poverty had been removed under the NDA government, Modi said that 50 crore people had moved above the poverty line over the past 12 years.
“There were slogans of Garibi Hatao. But the poverty has been removed by this government. According to the World Bank, 50 crore people have been elevated from below the poverty line in the last 12 years,” he said.
His remarks referred to the Congress-era slogan of “Garibi Hatao”, associated with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Modi’s comments came amid continuing debate over the government’s engagement with the media. Since taking office in 2014, he has not held a solo, open-floor press conference in India, according to the reports.
