BJP MP Tejasvi Surya Explains Why PM Modi Doesn’t Need Press Conferences, Calls Question ‘A Great One’

New Delhi: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has weighed in on the long-running debate surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his approach to media interactions, arguing that traditional press conferences have become largely “redundant” in the age of digital communication.

Speaking during a recent interaction, Surya was asked why Modi rarely holds formal press conferences despite being one of the world's most prominent political leaders. Calling it a “great question,” the Bengaluru South MP offered a detailed defense of the Prime Minister's communication strategy.

According to Surya, the role of political communication has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. He argued that leaders today have multiple avenues to communicate directly with citizens, including social media platforms, public addresses, interviews, digital broadcasts and government outreach initiatives.

Surya maintained that the Prime Minister regularly engages with the public through various channels and that these interactions allow citizens to receive information without relying exclusively on conventional media formats. He suggested that the effectiveness of communication should be measured by public access to information rather than by the number of press conferences conducted.

The BJP leader's remarks come amid recurring criticism from opposition parties and sections of the media, which have questioned Modi's limited participation in open-ended press conferences. Critics argue that such forums are important for accountability because they allow journalists to ask unscripted questions on government policies and decisions.

Supporters of the Prime Minister, however, contend that Modi remains one of the most visible political leaders globally and frequently communicates through speeches, interviews, social media posts and public engagements. They argue that modern technology has fundamentally altered how elected leaders interact with citizens.

The discussion reflects a broader global debate about the changing nature of political communication. Across many democracies, leaders increasingly rely on digital platforms to communicate directly with the public, reducing dependence on traditional media gatekeepers. At the same time, media organizations continue to stress the importance of press conferences as a tool for scrutiny and transparency.

Surya also highlighted the Prime Minister's extensive public outreach efforts, pointing to initiatives that enable direct engagement with citizens. He suggested that the accessibility of information in the digital era has made older communication models less central than they once were.

The issue has remained a recurring talking point in Indian politics, particularly during election campaigns and major policy announcements. Opposition leaders have repeatedly called for more direct questioning opportunities, while BJP leaders have defended the government's communication approach.

As political communication continues to evolve, the debate over press conferences versus direct digital engagement is likely to persist. Surya's comments add another dimension to that conversation, underscoring how technology is reshaping expectations around leadership, media interaction and public accountability.