‘Modi Chalisa’ at Press Club of India sparks row: PCI distances itself from PM cutout worship event

A controversy erupted after videos surfaced showing a group of people performing an aarti and reciting a “Modi Chalisa” before a cutout of Modi at the Press Club of India in New Delhi on August 20.

The cutout portrayed Modi in a deity-like form resembling Lord Ram, complete with a crown, bow and arrow.

Participants were also heard chanting slogans including “Jai Jai Modi, Har Har Modi.”

Event organised by transgender welfare group

The event was organised by members associated with the Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board.

Its vice-president, Rajan Singh, said the programme was held to highlight Modi's contribution to the transgender community.

He also said the organisation considers Modi an “Avatar of Lord Ram.”

PCI denies involvement

Issuing a clarification, the Press Club of India said its hall had been hired by an organisation for the purpose of holding a press conference and denied any involvement in the event.

The PCI said its authorities intervened and stopped the programme after the organisers violated the “terms of renting” the premises.

In a post, the PCI said, “The hall was hired for the purpose of holding a press conference by an organization but when terms for renting out the place were violated by it, the Club authorities immediately intervened and it was stopped.”