Matribhumi Samachar English
Mumbai. Monday, 25 May 2026
A major digital clash has erupted between mainstream television and new-age internet media, setting social media abuzz with intense political debate. Popular television actress Rupali Ganguly has taken a direct swipe at high-profile YouTuber Dhruv Rathee over a highly controversial post he directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The online feud has split the internet down the middle, reigniting arguments regarding the boundaries of dissent, the respect due to elected leaders, and the influence of political creators living abroad.
The Trigger: What Did Dhruv Rathee Say?
The friction trace back to an incident involving Norway-based journalist Helle Lyng. Following discussions around the encounter, Dhruv Rathee took to X (formerly Twitter) to express strong disapproval of the Prime Minister’s media transparency.
In a post that quickly went viral, Rathee alleged that PM Modi failed to fulfill fundamental transparency and accountability requirements, highlighting that he has not held a formal, open press conference in his 12 years as Prime Minister. Rathee wrote that the PM “deserves to be humiliated everywhere he goes” and explicitly encouraged foreign journalists across Europe to aggressively confront and embarrass the Indian leader to force accountability.
Rathee’s comments immediately faced a wave of criticism from various quarters, with actress Gul Panag being among the first public figures to call out the rhetoric as unacceptable.
Rupali Ganguly Steps in to Defend PM Modi
Nearly six days after the initial post, Anupamaa and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai fame actress Rupali Ganguly shared a detailed, strongly worded response on X to defend the Prime Minister.
Ganguly expressed deep discomfort with Rathee’s choice of words, stating that it felt “strange” and “funny” to see the word “humiliation” used for a leader who is consistently being honored with top civilian awards by nations globally.
“My PM is among the most internationally respected and honoured leaders in the world today, and he is the democratically elected Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy,” Ganguly wrote.
She further emphasized his 25-year-plus streak of winning democratic mandates—first as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and subsequently as the Prime Minister of India—adding that millions of citizens deeply trust and admire his leadership.
“Don’t Need a YouTuber Sitting Abroad”
In her note, Ganguly leveled a sharp, personal critique against Rathee’s position as an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) creator. She asserted that India does not require a “YouTuber sitting abroad,” completely disconnected from the ground realities of the country, acting as a self-appointed spokesperson for the citizens.
The actress went on to allege that Rathee has built his entire online career and digital relevance by mocking India, criticizing its progress, and intentionally spreading fear among his massive audience.
Online Reactions Split Down the Middle
The confrontation has sparked a fierce tug-of-war among social media users, resulting in widely mixed reactions:
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Support for Ganguly: Many netizens praised the actress for using her platform to stand up for national dignity. Pro-government users agreed with her stance that calling for the public humiliation of India’s head of state on international soil crosses the line from legitimate criticism into malice.
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Backlash against Ganguly: Conversely, critics labeled her defense as overtly partisan. Many pointed out that Ganguly officially entered politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the party headquarters in Delhi. At the time of her induction, she noted that PM Modi’s vision for national development inspired her to step into public service. Opponents claim her defense is tied to her political alignment rather than an objective evaluation of free speech.
The ongoing debate underscores a foundational tension in modern Indian discourse: where does the line lie between demanding public accountability from an elected official and protecting the institutional respect due to the head of a democratic state?
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