📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Kavali Chandrakanth KCK
Politics
‘Modi Chalisa’ performance at Press Club of India triggers controversy
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 20 Aug 2026, 09:37 PM
👁 4
A rendition of a ‘Modi Chalisa’ at the Press Club of India sparked criticism, prompting officials to issue a clarification on the event.
The Press Club of India in New Delhi hosted a cultural segment that included a devotional chant titled ‘Modi Chalisa’, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The performance, broadcast live, drew immediate backlash from journalists and political observers who questioned its appropriateness in a press forum.
Critics argued that the event blurred the line between media neutrality and political endorsement, citing concerns over the use of the club’s platform for partisan expression. Several members of the press body lodged formal complaints, calling for a review of the club’s programming policies.
In response, the Press Club’s administration released a statement clarifying that the segment was part of a broader cultural program and not intended as a political endorsement. The statement emphasized respect for diverse viewpoints and pledged to adhere to editorial standards in future events.
The episode has reignited debate over the role of public institutions in political discourse, with some lawmakers urging stricter guidelines for political content in media venues.
As the controversy unfolds, the Press Club has announced a temporary suspension of similar performances pending a policy review.
Critics argued that the event blurred the line between media neutrality and political endorsement, citing concerns over the use of the club’s platform for partisan expression. Several members of the press body lodged formal complaints, calling for a review of the club’s programming policies.
In response, the Press Club’s administration released a statement clarifying that the segment was part of a broader cultural program and not intended as a political endorsement. The statement emphasized respect for diverse viewpoints and pledged to adhere to editorial standards in future events.
The episode has reignited debate over the role of public institutions in political discourse, with some lawmakers urging stricter guidelines for political content in media venues.
As the controversy unfolds, the Press Club has announced a temporary suspension of similar performances pending a policy review.