Prakash Raj Targets PM Modi Over Press Conferences, Raises Concerns on ECI Integrity

Chennai: Actor and socio-political activist Prakash Raj addressed media personnel in Chennai on October 6, delivering a sharp critique directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his reluctance to hold open press conferences. Raj characterized the avoidance of unscripted media interactions as an act that demeans journalism and diminishes accountability toward citizens.

Underlining constitutional principles, Raj stated that governance is entrusted to elected leaders while active political engagement remains the fundamental right and responsibility of the public. He noted that leaders in power are duty-bound to face questions from journalists, who represent the public interest.

Concerns Raised Over Election Commission and Electoral Integrity

Beyond targeting the central government’s media engagement, Raj voiced serious objections regarding institutional transparency and the current framework governing the Election Commission of India (ECI):

• CEC Selection Process: He criticized the appointment mechanism for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, specifically highlighting the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee. Replacing the judicial head with a Union Cabinet Minister, Raj argued, tilts the panel to a 2:1 ruling party majority.
• Judicial Immunity: He raised concerns over statutory provisions granting extensive legal protections to election commissioners from prosecution during and following their tenure.
• Voter Roll Revisions: Raj flagged alleged irregularities during the Special Intensive Revision drives, stating that eligible voters risk arbitrary exclusion under “absent” or “shifted” classifications simply because they were working, receiving medical treatment, or temporarily away during verifications.
• Administrative Strain on Ground Staff: Pointing to severe workplace stress, inadequate preparation, and instances of suicide among booth-level officers (BLOs), Raj contended that polling apparatuses face unsustainable operational pressures.
• Election Timelines and Guidelines: He accused election authorities of aligning schedule declarations to facilitate prime ministerial project launches before the Model Code of Conduct takes effect, while also challenging the implementation of court directives on voter integrity.