PM Modi’s Interview with Lex Fridman: A Scripted Podcast of Deception and Image Making , Says Advocate Harsh Gautam
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently participated in a nearly three-hour-long interview with renowned AI researcher and podcaster Lex Fridman. In the conversation, Modi shared his thoughts on leadership, diplomacy, and personal discipline. The podcast, which was released on Sunday evening, marks Modi’s second appearance on a podcast this year, following his January discussion with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. However, according to Supreme Court advocate Harsh Gautam, a senior founder member of the New Democratic Party of India, the interview appears more like a paid image-building exercise. Gautam described it as a “scripted podcast full of lies and deception intended to mislead the people of India.”
The Strength of 1.4 Billion Indians: A Deceptive Claim
Throughout the conversation, Modi emphasized that his strength as a leader comes not from his own name but from the collective identity of 1.4 billion Indians. He stated, “When I shake hands with a world leader, it’s not Modi, but 1.4 billion Indians doing so.” While Modi attempts to portray himself as a representative of the entire nation, advocate Harsh Gautam points out that BJP’s national vote share is only around 31-37%. “It’s a fallacy to claim that the whole country voted for him. And let’s not forget, the real strength behind his victory lies in the controversial use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), not the overwhelming support of the people,” Gautam remarked.
Modi’s Childhood: A Contradictory Narrative
During the interview, Modi reflected on his early life, sharing stories about his struggles with poverty. “If you’ve never worn shoes, you don’t know what it’s like to miss them,” he said, portraying himself as a man who overcame hardships. However, Gautam questions the veracity of this narrative, pointing out that Modi came from a relatively well-off family and had access to luxuries that many others did not. “Every Indian knows the reality of his family background. The story Modi shares about his humble beginnings is not entirely accurate,” Gautam claimed.
Fasting as a Tool for Discipline: A Mere Distraction?
When Fridman asked about Modi’s fasting habits, the Prime Minister spoke about fasting as an integral part of his life for over five decades. “Fasting is not just about giving up food. It sharpens the senses, accelerates thinking, and brings clarity,” he explained. However, Gautam finds this claim unconvincing, stating that fasting is a common practice in India and does not necessarily offer the profound benefits Modi attributes to it. “Fasting is a common tradition for millions of Indians, but Modi’s attempts to present it as something extraordinary seem more like an attempt to distract from his leadership challenges,” Gautam said.
Diplomacy and International Relations: What Was Left Unsaid?
Modi also discussed his diplomatic efforts, particularly his invitation to Pakistan’s then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony in 2014, as part of his peace initiatives. However, he omitted key issues, such as the ongoing tensions with China, the Galwan Valley conflict, and India’s setbacks on the global stage. “Modi conveniently avoided mentioning the humiliation India faced during Trump’s presidency on various matters such as tariffs and illegal immigration,” said Gautam.
Youth Guidance: Words That Miss the Mark
Modi also offered advice to the youth, stressing the importance of patience, perseverance, and continuous learning. He urged young people to see challenges as tests of endurance. “There are no shortcuts in life. A shortcut will cut you short,” he said. However, Gautam finds the advice disconnected from the reality faced by today’s youth. “With high unemployment rates and an increasingly unstable economy, the youth of India are grappling with challenges that Modi’s idealized advice doesn’t address,” Gautam remarked.
A Himalayan Journey of Self-Discovery: A Simplified Narrative?
Modi spoke of a significant phase in his life when he spent two years wandering the Himalayas, seeking self-discovery and personal discipline. While this journey is often presented as a formative experience, Gautam suggests that Modi’s portrayal of this period seems overly simplified. “Many people in India struggle for their livelihoods every day. To reduce the complexities of life to a mystical journey of self-exploration feels out of touch with reality,” Gautam added.
The EVM Debate and India’s Democratic Spirit
Modi took pride in India’s elections, boasting that they are the largest and most efficient in the world. He highlighted the participation of over 980 million voters in the 2024 general elections and praised the swift results. However, Gautam questioned the integrity of the election process, claiming that the BJP has manipulated the system through EVMs, the Election Commission, and other state institutions. “India’s democratic spirit has been compromised by the exploitation of EVMs and the capture of key institutions by the ruling party,” Gautam said.
Relations with the US and China: A One-Sided Account
Modi spoke about his bond with former US President Donald Trump and the historical and cultural ties between India and China. However, he glossed over the recent setbacks in the US-India relationship, particularly in terms of tariffs and immigration. “Modi conveniently ignored how Indians have been deported from the US in a humiliating manner,” Gautam added. Furthermore, while Modi spoke of fostering healthy competition with China, he did not address the ongoing tensions at the India-China border.
The Gujarat Riots: A Controversial Reflection
When questioned about the 2002 Gujarat riots, Modi reiterated his innocence, citing the Indian Supreme Court’s ruling. He also mentioned that those responsible for the violence had faced justice. However, Gautam believes that the truth surrounding the Gujarat riots is far more complex and has been intentionally obscured by the government. “The court’s decision may have been influenced by external pressures, and there are still many unanswered questions about the events that transpired,” Gautam asserted.
India’s Record-Breaking Elections and Governance: A Misleading Narrative
Finally, Modi reflected on India’s record-breaking elections and praised the efficiency and transparency of the election process. He highlighted the participation of millions of voters and the swift declaration of results. Yet, Gautam criticized the BJP’s use of state machinery to control the narrative. “Modi’s claims about transparency and trust are undermined by the manipulation of key institutions like the Election Commission and the judiciary,” Gautam said.
Conclusion: A Scripted Media Stunt
According to Gautam, the interview was nothing more than a scripted media stunt aimed at polishing Modi’s image. He believes that Modi failed to address critical issues such as press freedom, food security, economic challenges, and rising unemployment. “This interview was carefully crafted to distract from the real issues plaguing India today,” Gautam concluded.
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