Gul Panag slams Dhruv Rathee over PM Modi remarks, sparks debate

Gul Panag slams Dhruv Rathee: Actor and former politician Gul Panag has strongly criticised YouTuber Dhruv Rathee over his remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to a heated debate on social media about the limits of political criticism and the dignity of public institutions.

The controversy began after Rathee commented on PM Modi’s recent foreign visit and encouraged foreign journalists to question the Prime Minister during overseas events. His remarks quickly went viral and triggered mixed reactions online.

What Triggered the Controversy?

During PM Modi’s recent visit to Norway, journalist Helle Lyng asked him a question during a joint media interaction with Norway’s Prime Minister. Reports suggest that the event was not a formal press conference, yet the journalist continued to pursue questions even as the Indian Prime Minister was leaving the venue.

The moment gained attention online, especially among critics of the Modi government. Several social media users, including Dhruv Rathee, praised the journalist and amplified the incident across digital platforms.

Dhruv Rathee later made a controversial statement saying that “Modi deserves to be humiliated everywhere he goes.” The remark drew sharp criticism from many users who felt it crossed the line from political criticism to personal insult.

Gul Panag’s Strong Response

Reacting to Rathee’s comments, Gul Panag posted a strongly worded message on social media defending the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office, even while acknowledging democratic disagreement.

She wrote:

“Not cool. You can dislike a Prime Minister, disagree with a government, protest, debate and vote differently. That’s democracy. But reducing the office of India’s Prime Minister, the man, the office, and what he represents abroad, to a joke on foreign soil - doesn’t feel like the right thing or dissent - to me. It diminishes him, the institution, and ultimately, us.”

Her statement quickly gained traction online because Panag herself has often criticised the Modi government in the past. Many social media users noted that despite her political differences with the government, she chose to defend the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office.

Not cool.You can dislike a Prime Minister, disagree with a government, protest, debate and vote differently. That’s democracy.But reducing the office of India’s Prime Minister, the man, the office, and what he represents abroad, to a joke on foreign soil -doesn’t feel like… https://t.co/XNQg7IiVyh

— Gul Panag (@GulPanag) May 22, 2026

Debate Over Criticism vs National Representation

The incident has once again raised questions about the boundaries of political dissent in a democracy. Supporters of Dhruv Rathee argued that questioning leaders and demanding accountability is part of free speech and democratic values. According to them, political leaders should face criticism regardless of where they are.

However, critics believed Rathee’s statement went beyond criticism and entered the territory of humiliation and disrespect. They argued that while governments can be challenged, publicly mocking the country’s Prime Minister on foreign soil may reflect poorly on India’s global image.

Gul Panag’s response stood out because it attempted to draw a distinction between opposing a government and disrespecting a constitutional office.

Questions Around the Journalist’s Viral Fame

The Norwegian journalist involved in the incident, Helle Lyng, became an internet sensation after videos of her questioning PM Modi circulated online. However, critics later questioned the strength and relevance of her questioning. Some argued that the issue she raised was more appropriate for Norwegian authorities rather than the Indian Prime Minister.

Following multiple media interviews, several commentators claimed that the viral moment was exaggerated online for political narratives rather than genuine journalistic accountability.

Gul Panag’s Political Background

Interestingly, Gul Panag has never been seen as a supporter of the Modi government. Over the years, she has openly criticised the government on issues such as the farmers’ protests, civil liberties, and national security. Her political journey began in 2014 when she joined Aam Aadmi Party along with her father, retired Lieutenant General H S Panag. Soon after joining the party, she contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Chandigarh as an AAP candidate. However, she lost the election to BJP leader Kirron Kher.

Her father was also actively associated with the party during that period and frequently advised on defence and strategic matters. Over the years, H S Panag has continued to criticise the Modi government, especially on issues related to defence policy and India-China relations.

Meanwhile, the controversy reflects the growing influence of digital creators and social media personalities in shaping political conversations in India. It also highlights how debates around nationalism, dissent, and free speech continue to divide public opinion. While some see sharp criticism of political leaders as a sign of a healthy democracy, others believe there must be limits when it comes to representing the nation internationally. 

- PTC PUNJABI