Various parties in theopposition mocked PM’s maiden press conference in which PM didn’t answer anyquestions, citing party discipline. Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden pressconference, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the presserlooked “like last episode of ‘Mann ki Baat’ aired on TV instead of radio”.

Sharad Yadav took toTwitter saying: “Development is asking have you seen the first press conferenceof Pradhan ji.”Yadav also mocked PM’s presser and said, “It is unfortunate thateven after 5 years of rule of the BJP PM could not face media. It’s a questionin everybody’s mind. Before the last phase of election PM has given clearindication from his body language that he has accepted defeat & it was likea farewell P.C of the Party & Govt.”

 Former Jammu andKashmir chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah took a digsaying that “Amit Shah doesn’t forget to thank the embedded BJP workersdisguised as journalists.”

Referring to Modi’sreluctance to address the press, Congress leader Ahmed Patel said in a tweet:“Never seen a press conference where someone else is answering questions onyour behalf. There was no need to lower the dignity of the office of the PrimeMinister just to prove a point.”

Earlier, soon afterPM’s media interaction was over, Congress president Rahul Gandhi wrote onTwitter: “Congratulations Modi Ji. Excellent Press Conference! Showing up ishalf the battle. Next time Mr Shah may even allow you to answer a couple ofquestions. Well done!” Gandhi, who held a parallel press conference at the timeModi and Shah were meeting reporters, repeatedly urged the Prime Minister todebate him on several issues.

The voting for theseventh and the last phase of elections will be held on May 19, and thecounting of the votes for all the phases will be held on May 23.