Norwegian Journalist Who Questioned PM Modi Now Seeks Rahul Gandhi Interview

Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng has stirred fresh controversy after reaching out to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for a phone interview, days after she triggered a political firestorm by publicly questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a joint press appearance in Oslo. The request came via X (formerly Twitter), where Lyng asked Gandhi if he would be available “Tuesday Norwegian time” to share his views on Modi’s Norway visit.

Gandhi’s Criticism Invites the Outreach

The outreach followed Gandhi’s sharp remarks accusing Modi of “running away from questions,” adding that India’s image suffers when the world sees a “compromised PM panic.” Lyng’s original provocation came when she shouted at PM Modi during a joint media event with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, asking why he wouldn’t take questions from “the freest press in the world.” Gandhi has not yet responded to her interview request.

BJP Hits Back, Trolls Target Lyng

The BJP swiftly pushed back, with IT cell chief Amit Malviya pointing out that the Norwegian PM himself did not take questions at the same event. Online, Lyng faced intense trolling, with users labelling her a “Chinese agent” and mocking the irony of her seeking Gandhi — who himself rarely faces press scrutiny. Former Norwegian minister Erik Solheim also criticised Lyng, telling CNN-News18 that her questioning reflected “limited knowledge” of India.

Lyng has since claimed her Facebook and Instagram accounts were suspended, calling it a “small price to pay for press freedom.” Indian government sources, meanwhile, suggested the episode was linked to geopolitical competition over critical minerals and green supply chains.