New Delhi:

Stressing that India is a unique democracy, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has said the country does not need lessons from anyone on the rule of law. His comments came after Germany, the US and the United Nations made remarks on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The questions posed to representatives of the US and the UN, which triggered the comments, were also about the freezing of the Congress’ bank accounts.

Speaking at an event on Friday, the Vice President said, “India is a democracy with a robust judicial system. This can’t be compromised by any individual or any group. India does not need lessons from anyone on rule of law.”

Mr Dhankhar emphasised that “equality before law is the new norm” in India and those who thought they are beyond the law are being held accountable.

In a possible reference to the AAP’s planned rally against Mr Kejriwal’s arrest at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Sunday, which will be attended by several leaders from the INDIA alliance, the Vice President said, “But what do we see? The moment the law takes its course, they take to the streets, high-decibel debates, camouflaging culpability of the worst nature by human rights. This is happening under our nose,” he added.

Describing the Indian judicial system as robust, independent and pro-people, he asked, “What is the justification for a person or an institution or an organisation to take to the streets when the law is set in motion?”

Addressing the 70th Founders’ Day celebrations of the Indian Institute of Public Administration, Mr Dhankhar also said people engaging in the “transgression of law” are now playing the victim card. 

“Corruption is not a passage to opportunity, employment or a contract anymore. It is a passage to jail… Can you go on a high moral ground that the corrupt must not be dealt with because it is a festive season or it is farming season? How can there be any season to save those who are culpable,” the Vice President asked.

After the remarks by representatives of the US and Germany, India had summoned their envoys. It had termed the comments “unwarranted”, “biased” and “unacceptable”, but has not reacted to the statement by a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres so far. 

Jaipur:

India is going to be on the top of the world by 2047 due to the young generation’s “commitment, directional approach and service to society”, said Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday.

Addressing students at an event at Sainik School in Jhunjhunu district, Jagdeep Dhankhar said India is rising like never before and will lead the world when the nation celebrates the centenary of Independence in 2047.

“You are the future of this country, you will shape this country. But boys and girls, you are lucky. You are fortunate that you are here at a time when India is rising as never before, rise of India is unstoppable, we are going to be world’s number one when we celebrate the centenary of our Independence in 2047,” said Jagdeep Jagdeep Dhankhar.  “And how will it be possible? You people will make it possible. Your commitment, your directional approach, your service to society will make Bharat ever proud,” he added.

Citing the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole of the Moon, Jagdeep Dhankhar said “history was created”.

“Chandrayaan 3 had a soft landing. Successful landing. History was created! India became one of the four countries to have this distinction, but the only country in the world to have the honour of landing on the south pole of the Moon,” he said.

Jagdeep Dhankhar asked the students to never be afraid of failures.

Giving example of the failure of Chandrayaan-2 when Jagdeep Dhankhar was West Bengal governor, he said the landing was not perfect then but the prime minister congratulated the ISRO for 96 per cent success in the mission.

“Never be afraid of failures. Fear of failure reduces your strength quite a lot. Never have tension… You will be able to perform much better. At Sainik School, I always would top in the class. But I was always in fear what would happen if I couldn’t come first? I left the school as the topper. “Later, I realised it doesn’t matter much whether you are on top or second position. So develop your personality in an integrated manner,” he said.

The vice president invited all the students in seven batches to visit Delhi as his guest to have a glimpse of functioning of the Parliament.  “Boys and girls, you are fortunate that you are contributing to India at a time when the country’s glory is being witnessed all over the world. In September 2022, India became the fifth largest economy in the world overtaking the UK. By the end of the decade, India will be the third largest economy,” he said.

The vice president, accompanied by his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, earlier offered prayers at Sri Surya Mandir in Lohargal and Rani Shakti Mandir in Jhunjhunu.

Jagdeep Dhankhar later left for Jaipur where he will be addressing another event at the National Institute of Ayurveda before leaving for the national capital. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)