A religious-style rally in the Press Club of India premises in New Delhi on Thursday chanting in Modi's name has caused a political controversy as images of the gathering were aired on social media. The event, which included a “aarti” sung in front of a poster of Modi with a bow, attracted attention because of its devotional aspect and slogans singing for the Prime Minister.
People at the event participated in the ritual in front of the poster, chanting, “Jai Jai Modi, Har Har Modi”. A banner at the venue also carried the words “Bhagwan Shri Narendra Modi Chalisa”, which lent the gathering a distinctly religious tone.
The names of the organisers were not exactly known at the time of reporting. The event, however, led the Press Club of India to issue a clarification distancing itself from the gathering.
Modi Chalisa being held at Press Club of India, Delhi 🤦
— D (@Deb_livnletliv) August 20, 2026
India in 2026...doing this drama in country's premier workspace of journalists and Media professionals.
Rahul Gandhi was right when he said:
"Andhbhakt is absolutely convinced that another Idiot is God" pic.twitter.com/Ypz49Xr3Qh
The Press Club of India claims it did not organise the event and stated that its premises had been rented to an organisation for holding a press conference. According to the Club, the organisers violated the terms of the venue for the press conference.
"The Press Club of India has noticed that a photo/video of an event held at its premises earlier today is circulating on social media. It is hereby clarified that the Club had not organised the event. The hall was hired for the purpose of holding a press conference by an organisation but when terms for renting out the place were violated by it, the Club authorities immediately intervened and it was stopped," said the Press Club.
The clarification came as videos and photographs from the event generated reactions online. The incident also became part of a wider political controversy.
