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Modi Interview Sparks Political Firestorm

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 12:31 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locale: INDIA

Political Firestorm Erupts as Congress Decries Modi Interview as 'Scripted Diversion'

New Delhi, February 15th, 2026 - The political temperature in India is soaring after the Indian National Congress launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent interview with ANI, branding it a "scripted PR exercise" designed to deflect attention from pressing national issues. The opposition party alleges the interview was a deliberate attempt to overshadow crucial concerns surrounding ongoing trade negotiations and persistent farmer protests demanding guaranteed minimum support prices (MSP) for their crops.

The immediate trigger for the Congress's condemnation was a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who sharply criticized the interview's format and content. "This is a scripted PR exercise," Vadra wrote. "The Prime Minister avoids critical questions and gives carefully prepared answers to portray a positive image. This is a diversionary tactic."

The Congress's criticism isn't simply a reaction to the interview itself, but represents a growing frustration with what they perceive as a pattern of the Modi administration prioritizing image management over substantive policy engagement. Party spokespersons have accused the Prime Minister of consistently dodging difficult questions and employing carefully constructed narratives to control the public discourse.

During the interview, Prime Minister Modi addressed a range of topics, including India's economic performance, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and what he considers his government's key achievements over the past decade. He highlighted infrastructure development, initiatives aimed at boosting the digital economy, and the government's efforts to improve the lives of marginalized communities. However, the Congress argues that these pronouncements were presented without sufficient context or acknowledgement of the challenges facing the nation.

The Congress has long been a staunch critic of the Modi government's economic policies, particularly those impacting the agricultural sector and international trade. The party points to the contentious trade deal currently being negotiated with the United Kingdom as a prime example of the government's tendency to prioritize commercial interests over the welfare of Indian farmers and domestic industries. Concerns center around potential concessions on agricultural tariffs that could flood the Indian market with cheaper imports, undermining the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

The current farmer protests, which have been ongoing for several weeks, are centered around the demand for a legally guaranteed MSP for all crops. Farmers argue that this is essential to protect them from volatile market prices and ensure a fair return for their produce. The Modi government has resisted enshrining MSP in law, citing concerns about fiscal implications and potential distortions in the market. This stance has fueled the protests and led to escalating tensions between the government and the agricultural community.

"The Prime Minister's attempts to paint a rosy picture of the economy and downplay the hardships faced by farmers are deeply misleading," stated Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill during a press conference. "The reality on the ground is starkly different. Farmers are struggling with debt, rising input costs, and unpredictable weather patterns, while the government remains unresponsive to their legitimate demands."

The Congress is now intensifying its campaign to highlight these issues, with plans for nationwide protests and a renewed focus on reaching out to farmers and other affected communities. They are attempting to frame the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as a referendum on the government's handling of the economy, agriculture, and social justice issues. Analysts predict the Congress will continue to press the narrative of a government more focused on public relations than problem-solving, hoping to gain traction with voters disillusioned by the administration's perceived lack of responsiveness.

The Prime Minister's Office has not yet responded to the Congress's allegations. However, sources within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have dismissed the criticism as "baseless political posturing" and accused the Congress of attempting to disrupt the government's agenda. The coming weeks promise to be a period of intense political maneuvering as both parties gear up for the crucial Lok Sabha elections, with the issues of trade, agriculture, and the authenticity of political communication taking center stage.