"Criticism Key To Prosperous Democracy": PM To Students during "Pariksha Pe Charcha"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a swipe at critics of the government's handling of economy, saying his dispensation was mocked as full of "average" talents but the same India considered "average" is now shining in the world and seen as a ray of hope in the post-pandemic era. Interacting with students during the sixth edition of "Pariksha Pe Charcha", he told them it is his "firm conviction" and "article of faith" that criticism is a purification exercise for a robust democracy. Criticism is precondition to a robust democracy, he said, but noted that a "vast gulf" exists between criticism and allegations.