SHILLONG : A religious-style programme at the Press Club of India in New Delhi has triggered a political controversy after visuals from the event surfaced online.
Participants were seen performing an aarti before a large poster showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a deity-like depiction, while slogans including “Jai Jai Modi, Har Har Modi” were chanted.
A banner at the venue also carried the words “Bhagwan Shri Narendra Modi Chalisa”.
The programme was held inside the Press Club premises on Thursday, but the institution has made it clear that it was not the organiser.
The Press Club said its hall had been booked by an organisation for a press conference. According to the Club, the organisers went beyond the terms agreed for the booking, prompting its authorities to intervene and stop the programme.
The event has since drawn attention online because of the religious imagery used around a serving Prime Minister and the choice of venue.
Rajan Singh, vice-president of the Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board, reportedly defended the programme and spoke about the community’s support for the Modi government.
He also referred to a proposed temple dedicated to Modi.
The Press Club’s clarification has added another layer to the controversy, with the institution stressing that the programme was not conducted under its banner.
