Government’s PR machinery working overtime for Mann Ki Baat but silent on crucial issues: Congress

The 'Mann Ki Baat' programme is set to complete its 100th edition on April 30

April 25, 2023 10:58 am | Updated April 26, 2023 12:58 am IST - New Delhi

People listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme, in Prayagraj.

People listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme, in Prayagraj. | Photo Credit: ANI

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is all set for its 100th episode, the Congress on April 25 claimed that the government’s public relation machinery is “working overtime” for the show’s promotion but the Prime Minister continued to be silent on crucial issues such as the Adani Group controversy and conflict with China.

The ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme’s 100th edition is on April 30. According to a survey by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Rohtak, nearly 23 crore people tune in to the show on the last Sunday of every month, with 65% of listeners preferring to hear the talk in Hindi.

Also Read | Over 100 crore people have listened to PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at least once: study

The survey by IIM-Rohtak students found that 73% of respondents felt optimistic about the government’s functioning and the country’s progress, while 58% said their living conditions have improved. As many as 59% have reported increased trust in the government.

“The PM’s mighty PR machine is working overtime to herald the 100th ‘Mann ki Baat’ on April 30. Meanwhile, it is ‘Maun ki Baat’ as far as Adani, China, Satyapal Malik revelations, MSME destruction and other crucial issues are concerned,” tweeted Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh.

The Congress had run a campaign for over a month on the alleged scam involving the Adani Group, asking three questions every day under the Hum Adani ke Hain Kaun [How are we related to Adani] series and also tried to corner the government on the face-off with China during the recent Parliament session. Recently, after former Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Governor Satya Pal Malik’s allegations on intelligence failure with regard to the Pulwama terror attack, the Congress had accused the government of “minimum governance and maximum silence”.

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