'Friends,' no podium, just a selfie camera: PM Modi's Gen Z outreach draws sharp opposition reactions

Published 24 July 2026 · politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's latest address to India's Gen Z has drawn attention for both its format and timing. Released at 11:52 PM on Thursday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's latest address to India's Gen Z has drawn attention for both its format and timing. Released at 11:52 PM on Thursday amid the ongoing controversy over the NEET paper leak, the video adopted an unusually informal style, with the Prime Minister speaking directly into his phone's selfie camera. How did the PM address Gen Z? Instead of a conventional studio setup, podium or formal backdrop with a teleprompter, PM Modi recorded the message using his phone's selfie camera. The selfie-style format drew widespread attention on social media. Addressing Gen Z as 'Friends', he focused almost entirely on concerns surrounding the NEET paper leak. The video's informal presentation, along with the Prime Minister's remarks on the NEET paper leak, also drew sharp reactions from Opposition parties. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What issues did PM Modi address in his selfie video to Gen Z? ⌵ PM Modi addressed concerns surrounding the NEET paper leak, speaking informally into his phone's selfie camera and referring to the audience as 'Friends'. 2 Why did the Opposition criticize PM Modi's video addressing NEET protests?

⌵ Opposition leaders deemed the video a 'pathetic midnight video' that failed to address the pressing demands of students, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. 3 How did the informal format of Modi's address impact its reception? ⌵ The informal presentation style drew widespread attention and mixed reactions, with critics arguing it undermined the seriousness of the NEET controversy. 4 What demands are being made by students regarding the NEET paper leak? ⌵ Students are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accountability for alleged police brutality, and a formal government response to their concerns. 5 Should the Prime Minister address controversies like the NEET paper leak in Parliament? ⌵ Critics argue that the Prime Minister should present a statement in Parliament rather than using social media, emphasizing the importance of accountability and formal discourse. Also Read | Cockroach Janta Party: A look at 10 iconic protests that changed India Opposition reactions Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi dismissed the Prime Minister's outreach as a "pathetic midnight video" and said it failed to address students' concerns.

"Mr. Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Don't insult their intelligence with this pathetic midnight video. 1. Sack Pradhan. 2. Punish those who beat students. 3. ⁠Apologise," Gandhi wrote on X. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the Prime Minister appeared "desperate and hassled" as he broke his silence nearly two months after the protests began. Ramesh also referred to the government's initial denial of the alleged 2026 NEET paper leak and drew parallels with the 2024 controversy. "The Pradhan Mantri's lack of commitment to accountability is evident from his failure to even mention the student protests or the brutality unleashed on them by his police forces on 20th July," he said in a post on X. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also criticised the Prime Minister's decision to address the issue through a social media video instead of Parliament. "When Parliament is in session, the Prime Minister has to give a Statement on the floor of Parliament, not make a one-sided 'Mann Ki Baat' outside Parliament by recording a video late at night!!" Kharge wrote on X.