By Tanmay 
Press Freedom Row: Modi evades journalist’s question in Norway; Rahul Gandhi speaks out sharply on the controversy.
Oslo/New Delhi: A major press freedom row has erupted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway after Norwegian journalist Hele Linge accused Modi of evading her questions.
Modi Evades Journalist’s Question
The controversy started when Hele Linge claimed that Prime Minister Modi left a joint press briefing with the Norwegian Prime Minister without answering her queries on human rights and press freedom. Linge highlighted on social media that Norway ranks 1st in the World Press Freedom Index, while India is placed at 157th.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised the incident and spoke out against it, saying it damages India’s global image.
Heated Clash at MEA Press Conference in Oslo
The situation became more dramatic on Monday night during a press conference organized by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in Oslo. Invited journalist Hele Linge repeatedly interrupted with questions on minority rights, human rights, and press freedom in India.
C.B. George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, responded firmly. Defending India’s democracy, he said:
“India has a robust Constitution with comprehensive guarantees. Governments here are changed by the votes of the common people. India granted women the right to vote immediately after independence — something that took decades in many developed countries.”
He also criticised people who form opinions based on reports from “ignorant NGOs” without understanding India’s vast diversity and complexity.
As the exchange grew heated, Hele Linge walked out of the press conference midway but later returned.
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Rahul Gandhi’s Sharp Reaction
Rahul Gandhi reacted on X, writing:
“If there is nothing to hide, there is no reason to be afraid. When the world witnesses a frightened Prime Minister running away from questions, what becomes of the country’s image?”
The Norwegian journalist has now requested a telephonic interview with Rahul Gandhi.
Social Media Storm Over Hele Linge
The Modi Norway visit incident has created a huge storm on social media. Some users and journalists labelled Hele Linge a “foreign plant” and “spy”, while others supported her right to ask questions. Many pointed out that while Modi left the briefing, the Norwegian Prime Minister stayed and answered media questions. Critics also noted that Prime Minister Modi has not held any formal press conference since 2014.
Dismissing the allegations, Linge wrote: “My profession is journalism.”
তন্ময় ‘প্রাইমইনসাইট’ (PrimeInsight)-এর প্রতিষ্ঠাতা ও প্রধান লেখক। কলকাতা-ভিত্তিক একজন উৎসাহী ব্লগার ও স্বতন্ত্র ভাষ্যকার হিসেবে তিনি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ বিষয়গুলোর ওপর তীক্ষ্ণ ও বাস্তবসম্মত দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি তুলে ধরেন।
সঙ্গীত, সমসাময়িক ঘটনাপ্রবাহ এবং রাজনীতি—এই ক্ষেত্রগুলোতে গভীর জ্ঞানের অধিকারী ইন্দ্রজিৎ তাঁর লেখায় সাংস্কৃতিক উপলব্ধির সাথে রাজনৈতিক বিশ্লেষণের সমন্বয় ঘটান। জাতীয় ও বৈশ্বিক ঘটনাবলির সাথে সংযোগ বজায় রাখার পাশাপাশি তাঁর লেখায় কলকাতার বৌদ্ধিক ও শৈল্পিক সত্তার প্রতিফলনও ফুটে ওঠে।