Why doesn't PM Modi hold press conferences? Kiren Rijiju explains

Kiren Rijiju defended PM Modi's decision not to hold regular press conferences, saying they are "merely a formality" and that PM Modi prefers direct engagement with people. Rijiju cited his numerous media interviews and interactions with students, scientists, athletes, farmers and others, while alleging that organised media campaigns had targeted PM Modi.Kiren Rijiju defends PM Modi over criticism of his not holding press conferencesUnion Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision not to hold regular press conferences, saying he prefers direct engagement with people and has given numerous interviews to journalists over the years.In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Rijiju was asked whether PM Modi’s limited interaction with the media was reinforced by his decision not to hold regular press conferences. Referring to Modi’s tenure as Gujarat chief minister, Rijiju alleged that organised media campaigns had been run against him.“When he knows that they are running a campaign, let’s say, if it were against me, why would I hold a press conference?” Rijiju asked.Rijiju argued that PM Modi has instead interacted extensively with journalists individually and given numerous interviews over the years. “No Prime Minister would have given as many interviews to the media as Modi ji has,” Rijiju said.He questioned why PM Modi was still portrayed as someone who does not communicate with the media despite these interviews.'PRESS CONFERENCE IS A FORMALITY' Rijiju also dismissed the argument that Modi should hold regular press conferences because young people see leaders in other countries taking questions from journalists.“Press conferences are merely a formality,” he said, arguing that PM Modi prefers direct engagement with people.Rijiju cited PM Modi’s interactions with scientists, students and sportspersons as examples of this outreach. He pointed to the Prime Minister’s regular interactions with ISRO scientists and his annual conversations with students during examination season.He also highlighted PM Modi’s engagement with athletes before and after major international competitions. “Tell me who else is the Prime Minister who has interacted with the students every year during the exam time,” Rijiju said.He said PM Modi speaks to athletes before they leave for the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games and meets them after they return with medals.According to Rijiju, Modi’s engagement extends beyond these groups to farmers, children, senior citizens and even opposition leaders.“Anyone who interacts with Modi ji will tell you that no one has ever been a better listener than him,” he said.Rijiju’s defence comes amid a long-running debate over Modi’s media engagement, particularly his preference for interviews and direct public outreach over regular open press conferences.- EndsPublished By: Sayan GangulyPublished On: Aug 26, 2026 21:56 IST