Analysis: Why Modi Will Not Appear on NDTV

As of August 2023, there has been no specific announcement regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appearance on NDTV. Such appearances are often announced closer to the date or during significant events. For the most current information, it would be best to check NDTV's official announcements or news updates.

The Reality of Media Appearances

Prime Minister Modi's media appearances are often limited to channels that align with his political stance. Such appearances typically involve monologues or preordained questions, as seen in his spotlight show, "Man ki Baat," where one needs the courage to face the public wrath. However, not all channels are aligned with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

NDTV and its Role

NDTV has been known to provide a platform for showcasing the other side of the argument, which sometimes leads to accusations of being anti-national from the BJP. This has led to attempts to label NDTV as an opposition channel. However, the key point is that Modi frequently appears on media channels for "wrong" reasons, primarily because they are friendly and unlikely to challenge him with contentious issues.

Historical Precedence

The history of Modi's media appearances is instructive. In 2007, when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he gave an interview to Karan Thapar, a well-known journalist. During this interview, Modiji was asked about the Gujarat Riots, which put him on the defensive. This incident clearly demonstrates that Modi is not comfortable in face-to-face confrontations with journalists, especially those who might challenge his policies or bring up sensitive issues.

Preference for Alignment

Modi's preference for appearing on aligned channels stems from his desire to avoid public controversies. He avoids interviews that might expose him to scrutiny or criticism. Ravish Kumar, a well-known TV anchor who is often seen as left-leaning, is particularly averse to. This preference for right-wing media outlets (often referred to as 'Godi Media') is understandable, as these channels are less likely to question him aggressively.

Cultural and Personal Appearances

Even when forced to appear on less-aligned channels, Modi tends to keep the interaction light and personal. For instance, he gave an interview to Akshay Kumar, a Bollywood actor, where the questions were mostly about his personal life, such as his favorite food or fitness regimen. This avoids delving into more substantial political questions. Modi's avoidance of interviews like the one with Karan Thapar is to prevent scenarios like those depicted in the film 'Nayak,' where policymakers face harsh public scrutiny.

Conclusion

Given the history and current alignment, it is highly unlikely that Modi would appear on NDTV for substantive reasons. Such a scenario would provide an ideal platform for meaningful scrutiny and debate, which Modi prefers to avoid. Therefore, it is unlikely that Modi will appear on NDTV anytime soon, as it would contradict his goal of maintaining a safe and controlled narrative.