Indian democracy has strengthened: PM

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said Friday that the recent assembly elections in five states have again demonstrated the strength of Indian democracy.

"An important development in the year that has gone by is the demonstration of the strength of our democracy. Our people have demonstrated their faith in the institutions of democracy by voting in record numbers in the recent assembly elections," Dr. Singh said during an interaction with the media at the National Media Centre here.

He admitted that the Congress "did not do well in these elections, but we welcome the extent of participation (in the elections).

"My party did not do well in these elections, but we welcome the extent of participation, and we will reflect on what the results tell us for the future and learn lessons," he said.

Asserting that our democratic Constitution and the institutions of our democracy are the cornerstone of Modern India, Dr. Singh said: " All of us who wish to build a better India, rid of poverty and corruption, must respect these institutions and work through them."

"They are the legitimate instruments in our hands, with all their limitations. No one individual or authority can substitute for the due processes of democratic governance," he added.