Modi seeks debate on internal democracy in parties

New Delhi: Taking an indirect jibe at dynasty politics and one-man rule in political organisations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for a debate on internal democracy in political parties, asserting that the growth of “true democratic spirit” within them is necessary for the country’s future. 

Mr Modi also acknowledged that there are many voices within the BJP as he noted that when it was a small organisation earlier or during the times of Jana Sangh, its forerunner, there used to be “ideological harmony” from its central leadership to workers in the bottom rung. The party’s expansion may be a reason behind divergent views, he said.

Mr Modi, who was speaking at a ‘Diwali Milan’ event for mediapersons at the BJP headquarters here, pointed out that funding to political parties is often debated but not their values, ideologies, internal democracy and how they give opportunities to the new generation of leaders.

The country, he said, is not much aware of the practise of democracy within parties and the media should turn its attention to it, he said.

“Whether democratic values are a part of their (parties) core values or not, should be debated widely.... I believe that the development of a true democratic spirit within political parties is necessary not only for the the country’s future but also for democracy,” he said.