Archive · 20 Aug 2026
‘Modi Chalisa’ Event Stopped After Press Club Terms Violated
A group held a gathering at the Press Club of India in Delhi.
People there recited verses they called the “Modi Chalisa.”
A chalisa is a Hindu hymn usually connected with a deity.
A cutout showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi dressed like Lord Ram.
Participants also praised Modi with slogans and performed an aarti.
Videos of the gathering spread on social media.
Some people criticised the religious portrayal of Modi and said it hurt their sentiments.
The Press Club said the hall was rented for a press conference, not this activity, and that it stopped the event when venue rules were allegedly broken.
A group of transgender community members reportedly recited verses called the “Modi Chalisa” in Delhi.
Participants depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Lord Ram using a cutout with a crown and bow and arrow.
The group reportedly shouted “Jai Jai Modi” and “Har Har Modi” and performed an aarti.
The video triggered criticism and contrasting reactions on social media, including claims that it hurt religious sentiments.
The Press Club of India said it did not organise the event and stopped it after alleged rental-term violations.
- Who
- A group of transgender community members, Prime Minister Narendra Modi as depicted in the ceremony, the renting organisation, and the Press Club of India.
- What
- A gathering featuring a purported “Modi Chalisa” recital, pro-Modi slogans, an aarti, and a cutout portraying Modi as Lord Ram.
- When
- Thursday, August 20, 2026; the Press Club said the event occurred earlier that day.
- Where
- The Press Club of India in Delhi.
- Why
- The Press Club said the hall’s rental terms were allegedly violated; social media users criticised the religious portrayal of Modi.
Critics and Social Media Users
Event Participants and Press Club of India
Religious portrayal of Modi
Critics and Social Media Users
Critics questioned or condemned portraying Narendra Modi as Lord Ram and what they described as worship of the Prime Minister; some said it hurt their religious sentiments.
Event Participants and Press Club of India
Participants recited verses called the “Modi Chalisa,” used pro-Modi slogans, and displayed the cutout, although the reports do not provide their explanation for the depiction.
Whether the Press Club hosted the event
Critics and Social Media Users
Some social media posts described the ceremony as an event at the Press Club of India and claimed a “Bhagwaan Shri Narendra Modi Chalisa” was unveiled and recited there.
Event Participants and Press Club of India
The Press Club said it had not organised the gathering, that another organisation had rented the hall for a press conference, and that officials immediately stopped the event after alleged violations of the rental terms.
- Venue
- Press Club of India, Delhi
- Reported participants
- Members of a transgender community group
- Depiction
- A cutout of Narendra Modi dressed in an appearance resembling Lord Ram
- Reported activities
- “Modi Chalisa” recital, pro-Modi slogans, and an aarti
- Original booking purpose
- A press conference
- Press Club position
- It said it did not organise the event
- Event status
- Stopped immediately after alleged rental-term violations
