India is the mother of all democracies, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India was the "mother of all democracies" referring to ancient republic Vaishali. He added that he is satisfied with the country's progress towards becoming a "mature democracy".

Bihar is home to an ancient kingdom called Vaishali which is said to be the oldest republic in the world. He added that those who say democracy came to India because of western influence are undermining the legacy of Bihar.

He said the country is a democracy because we believe in harmony. "We are often told that India is the largest democracy. I would like countrymen to remember that we are not just the largest; India is the mother of all democracies".

Speaking about the nation becoming a mature democracy, he said the better attendance of lawmakers inside Parliament and state assemblies along with discarding obsolete laws are signs of this development.

He was speaking at a function related to the centenary celebrations of the Bihar Assembly in Patna. The PM also expressed happiness over being the "first prime minister to have visited the Assembly of Bihar".

The PM unveiled a commemorative pillar and planted a sapling of the 'Kalpataru' tree. He also laid the foundation stones of a guest house and a library.

"It is not a mere coincidence that the centenary celebrations of assembly premises are being held simultaneously with the Amrit Mahotsav (75th anniversary) of the Independence," claimed the Prime Minister.

Speaking of Bihar's glorious past, PM Modi said the state is the first in India to bring in a zamindari abolition law and reservation for women in panchayats.

Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar, Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Sinha, and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav were also in attendance.