Modi Calls Criticism 'Soul of Democracy'

Podcast with Lex Fridman

- 

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described criticism as the "soul of democracy," stating that he welcomes it. During a podcast with US computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman released on Sunday, PM Modi distinguished between criticism and allegations, noting that genuine criticism that is "sharp and well-informed" has become rare in today's environment.

When asked about how he handles criticism directed at him, the Prime Minister expressed that he welcomes it. "I have a strong belief that criticism is the soul of democracy. If democracy truly runs in your veins, you must embrace it," he said. He said he welcomes criticism and that there should be more of it. "We should have more criticism, and it should be sharp and well-informed... In our scriptures, it's said: 'Always keep your critics close.' Critics should be your nearest companions because, through genuine criticism, you can improve quickly and work democratically with better insights." "In fact, I believe we should have more criticism, and it should be sharp and well-informed. But my real complaint is that nowadays, what we see isn't real criticism," he said.