The Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi says that India has over 2,500 registered political parties.
Addressing the Ghanaian Parliament on Thursday in Accra, the Prime Minister said: “I repeat, 2,500 political parties.
According to the report by Daily Graphic, the unexpected revelation was met with laughter from Ghanaian lawmakers, including Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who later echoed the figure, prompting another round of chuckles from both Members of Parliament and the visiting dignitary.
The report added that the moment of shared humour underscored the scale and complexity of India’s democracy; an example Mr Modi used to highlight his country’s commitment to pluralism, dialogue, and inclusion.
“India is the mother of democracy,” he said, addressing the House in English. “True democracy promotes discussion and debate. It unites people, supports dignity and promotes human rights.”
“For us, democracy is not just a system, it is a part of our fundamental values,” the report quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
Mr Modi’s comments were part of a broader speech that emphasised India’s democratic ethos, shaped by vast diversity. “Twenty different parties governing different states, 22 official languages, thousands of dialects; this is the India that works,” he said. “This is also the reason that people who have come to India have always been welcomed with open hearts.”
He added that the same openness enabled Indians to adapt and thrive wherever they go around the world.
GIK/APA