'Criticism Is the Soul of Democracy, I Welcome It': PM Modi in Lex Fridman Podcast

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi , in a conversation with US computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman, said he welcomes criticism, calling it the "soul of democracy." However, he pointed out that genuine, well-researched criticism is rare and often replaced by baseless allegations.

"I have a strong belief that criticism is the soul of democracy. If democracy truly runs in your veins, you must embrace it," PM Modi said during the podcast. He emphasized that criticism helps improve governance and should be sharp and well-informed.

Citing Indian scriptures, the Prime Minister 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."

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However, he expressed concern that true criticism has been replaced by unfounded accusations. "Genuine criticism requires thorough study, in-depth research, and careful analysis. It demands finding the truth from falsehoods. Today, people look for shortcuts, and avoid proper research. Instead of identifying genuine weaknesses, they jump straight to accusations," he said.

PM Modi stressed the importance of constructive feedback for a strong democracy. "Allegations benefit no one; they just cause unnecessary conflicts. That’s why I always welcome criticism openly. And whenever false accusations arise, I calmly continue serving my country with complete dedication," he stated.

The podcast, featuring discussions on leadership, governance, and India's global role, is among the few long-form interviews PM Modi has given on an international platform.