NEW DELHI: PM Modi took a swipe at Congress and its tradition of dynastic succession ahead of the anticipated elevation of Rahul Gandhi as party president, saying internal democracy in political parties was necessary for the future of democracy in the country.Speaking at a 'Diwali Milan' function at the BJP office here on Saturday, Modi said it was important that the democratic processes involved in decision-making in parties be studied as these merited more attention than political funding. "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 country's future but also democracy," he said.Though Modi made no mention of Congress, the allusion ahead of Rahul's expected take-over as Congress chief from Sonia Gandhi was clear. Modi also acknowledged that uniform communication was not possible once a party grew bigger, as BJP has, and differing voic es did emerge. He thanked the media for its support to the 'Swachh Bharat' project, saying it had spoken in one voice over the issue even if it might have been critical of the government in other matters.

Source: Times of India October 28, 2017 19:52 UTC