GUWAHATI: An event held at the Press Club of India has sparked a political row after videos surfaced online showing participants worshipping a cutout of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reciting a devotional “Modi Chalisa.”

The clips, which quickly went viral on social media, drew sharp reactions, with many questioning how such an event took place at a venue closely associated with the country’s media fraternity.

The Press Club of India distanced itself from the programme, stating that it neither organised nor endorsed the event. In a post on X, the Club clarified that its premises had only been rented out for a press conference.

According to the Club, organisers violated the agreed terms of the booking, prompting its authorities to intervene and halt the programme.

The event was organised by Rajan Singh, Vice President of the Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board. Defending the ceremony, Singh said he was simply honouring Prime Minister Modi for what he described as the government’s unprecedented efforts in improving the rights and employment opportunities of transgender people.

Singh also announced plans to construct a temple dedicated to Prime Minister Modi in Bihar. He claimed the proposed project would be built on five acres of land at an estimated cost of around Rs 112 crore, describing it as a temple for “Lord Shri Narendra Modi ji.”

Responding to criticism of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, Singh rejected claims that the transgender community opposed the legislation. He alleged that the criticism was being driven by opposition political parties rather than members of the community.

The incident has once again fuelled debate over the growing trend of treating political leaders as objects of worship, with critics calling it inappropriate while supporters describe it as a personal expression of admiration.