Actor Prakash Raj criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for avoiding press conferences, saying it is "demeaning the press." He argued that leaders must answer questions to ensure transparency. Raj also raised concerns about the Election Commission, voter roll flaws, and the appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner, demanding greater accountability.

Prakash Raj criticized ruling parties for evading transparency, restricting public protest venues, and demanding strict accountability from those in power

Actor and activist Prakash Raj took a veiled dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for avoiding press conferences, equating it to "disrespecting" the media, and in extension, the citizens of the country.

He also criticised the ruling parties for avoiding transparency and denying democratic spaces for public protests and demanded accountability from those in power.

"Why are you refusing to hold press meets? Why are you disrespecting and demeaning the press?" Raj asked, in a veiled dig at the prime minister. He added that elected leaders are duty-bound to answer questions posed by the media on behalf of the public.

During the media briefing, Raj also launched an offensive against the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Centre over electoral integrity.

Voicing concerns over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's appointment, Raj criticised the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, arguing that substituting a Union Minister creates an unfair 2:1 ruling party majority.

He also condemned legislative provisions granting sweeping judicial immunity to the CEC against legal action during or after their tenure.

Raj further alleged widespread flaws in the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls, claiming citizens were arbitrarily disenfranchised under "absent" or "shifted" tags simply for being at work, hospitals, or away from home during official visits.

Highlighting that severe administrative pressure and poor training have driven booth-level officers to suicide, Raj accused authorities of defying Supreme Court orders on reporting alleged foreign infiltrators and rigging poll schedules to accommodate prime ministerial campaign announcements prior to the Model Code of Conduct.