Gul Panag Critiques Dhruv Rathee's Comments on PM Modi's Norway Visit

Controversy Surrounds Dhruv Rathee's Remarks

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, known for his outspoken criticism of the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently expressed his discontent on X (formerly Twitter) regarding Modi's inaugural visit to Norway in 43 years. Rathee's remarks did not resonate well with actress Gul Panag, who responded on social media, asserting that his comments not only tarnish an individual but also undermine the institution itself.

In his tweet, Rathee urged foreign journalists to 'embarrass' PM Modi and hold him accountable after the Prime Minister declined to answer questions from Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng during a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Instead of engaging, PM Modi opted to leave the scene.

Panag expressed her disapproval of Rathee's comments, stating, 'Not cool.' She emphasized that while it's acceptable to disagree with a Prime Minister or government, reducing the stature of India's Prime Minister to a joke on foreign soil is inappropriate. She concluded her tweet by stating, 'It diminishes him, the institution, and ultimately, us.'

On May 19, Rathee had taken to social media to criticize PM Modi for ignoring the journalist, asserting that the Prime Minister 'deserves to be humiliated everywhere he goes.' He further claimed that Modi has not held a press conference in 12 years and fails to meet the basic standards of transparency and accountability expected from a leader.

Rathee continued to encourage foreign journalists to question PM Modi whenever they encounter him, suggesting that embarrassing him would serve as a significant contribution to India's progress. Following the incident, journalist Helle Lyng faced considerable backlash online, with some Indian social media users accusing her of attempting to undermine the country on an international stage.