I am used to the noise of democracy: PM Narendra Modi

HERAT: "I am used to the noise of democracy," Prime Minister Narendra Modi quipped today, in an apparent reference to the opposition attacks on him back home.

Modi made the remarks when Afghan National Security Advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar suggested to him to wear earmuffs after he boarded a helicopter for travelling to the Herat Governor's House from Herat Airport after his arrival from New Delhi.

"I come from the world's largest democracy. I am used to the noise of democracy," Modi said with a smile, according to one of those on board the helicopter.

He went to the Governor's House to inaugurate the Afghan- India Friendship Dam, earlier known as Salma Dam power project, built by India at a cost of Rs 1,700 crore.

From the chopper, the Prime Minister noticed a micro irrigation project and remarked that it reminded him of Gujarat.

"Yeh mujhe Gujarat ki yaad dila raha hai (This is reminding me of Gujarat)," said Modi, who as Chief Minister for 12 years, had focussed on micro irrigation schemes.

To this, Atmar said: "Thanks to you, the irrigation project is providing power and water to so many families of Herat," the delegate said.