Criticisms in short supply, accusations aplenty: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said criticisms are in short supply and accusations aplenty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said criticisms are in short supply and accusations aplenty.

At the golden jubilee function of a Marathi daily in Kolhapur, he said: “Since there is no criticism, it is harming the people in the government the most.”

Modi’s remarks come at a time when the right-wing groups are often accused of being scornful of criticisms against the government.

Modi, who as a chief minister was accused of failing to control the 2002 communal riots in Gujarat, said, “Accusations, which are easier to make, is not doing any good and is unfortunate for the democracy. Let’s make a pledge to sharpen our right to criticise.”

The Prime Minister emphasised that the sharper the criticism, the more helpful it is in making better policies. He said accusations would weaken democracy. “Every decision, every thought must be criticised. Samvad (dialogue) and vivad (debate) are both necessary.”

On the importance of credibility for media, Modi said people do not plainly believe what government says until they hear it from media. “Credibility brings responsibility,” he said.