Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan during a Christmas celebration organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), in New Delhi on Thursday. @VPIndia X/ANI Photo

Bilaspur:

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday expressed concerns over religious conversions through allurements, terming it antithetical to constitutional essence and spirit and stressed the need to rebuff, resist and neutralise such “nefarious” designs.

Addressing as the chief guest at the 11th convocation ceremony of Guru Ghasidas University in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur, he called Naxalism the biggest hurdle to development, particularly of the tribals, and said serious efforts are being made to eliminate the menace.

“…Guru Ghasidas embodied the spirit of unity, inclusivity and equality among all. It is due to Gurus like him, the social-cultural character of this belt has remained unaltered…Our Bharat, home to one-sixth of humanity, is blessed to have a galaxy of national heroes like him,” the vice president said.

The country has iconic figures like Maharishi Valmiki, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sant Ravidas and Jyotiba Phule and each of them stands as a tall pillar upon which society’s edifice stands, he said. It is soothing that their position in the nation’s collective consciousness is now being recognised, rekindled and reclaimed, said Mr Dhankhar.

“It is concerning that the wholesome thought processes of inclusivity for which they stood, for which they lived, which they propagated are being challenged by some who seek to disrupt organic societal stability by offering allurements to effect conversions. This is repulsive to the grain of our civilizational ethos,” he said.

Calling such conversions antithetical to the country’s constitutional essence and spirit, Mr Dhankhar said they wrongly tamper with the right of freedom that citizens enjoy.

“Nothing can be more serious than that these misadventures emanate from an evolved strategy to upset the organic demographic equilibrium. We need to rebuff, resist, and neutralise these nefarious designs as these have a pernicious potential to emerge as existential challenges to our inclusiveness and civilizational wealth,” he added.

The vice president hailed the Vishnu Deo Sai-led Chhattisgarh government for its fight against Naxalism.

Naxalism remains the biggest hurdle to development, particularly for the tribal people, as it affects lives adversely, he said.

“I’m happy to note that serious efforts have been made in the country for the last few years (to eliminate the menace). In Chhattisgarh, good efforts have been made with numerous Naxalites being neutralised, arrested, or surrendering,” he said.

But this requires the concern of every citizen because there is no place for Naxalism in a country witnessing unprecedented development, which is common man-centric, he said.

The government has evolved a good policy, and Chhattisgarh has been executing it remarkably well, he said.

“Three Cs – road connectivity, mobile connectivity and financial connectivity – are bearing fruits, transforming lives and creating new pathways to progress, he said.

However, whenever there is such a kind of progress that impacts the people instantly, there are sinister forces that seek to defeat these good gestures, he said.

Dhankhar said India’s progress has been the envy of the world.

“When the world reeled under depression and stagflation, we have continued to be the bright spot in the global economic landscape. For most part of the last decade, we have retained the tag of the fastest-growing major economy. What a journey we have traversed against difficult headwinds, challenges, and terrains, and we are now the fifth largest global economy on the way to becoming the third,” he said.

Startups have now been springing not only from metros but also from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, he said.

“We are the third largest in number when it comes to the global ecosystem. Infrastructure in India has been expanding rapidly and just to illustrate, four new airports and one Metro system every year, that is the scale of achievement we are having,” he said.

The vice president told the students that India’s Metro rail network includes 1000 kilometres across 11 states and 23 cities. “We have surpassed Japan and there will be a time in the near future when India will have the second largest Metro in terms of coverage,” he said.

A new Bharat is taking place at the moment, he said.

Dhankhar urged the students not to confine themselves to government jobs and instead look beyond, saying there are new vistas of opportunities.

Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka and CM Sai were present at the event.

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

New Delhi:

Demonising constitutional institutions and sermonising people is fast becoming a “pastime”, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Saturday and cautioned that such actions are a recipe for chaos.

He also said even those who “constitutionally matter in the political arena” are “sermonising all and demonising our constitutional institutions”.

Addressing an event of an educational institution here, the vice president said it is time to “bid adieu to this”.

“Also, I say with utmost restraint — time for our elites to be elites. To them, I appeal — to be a worthy elite, you have to be spurred by the fervour of nationalism,” he said, without naming anyone.

Dhankhar also spoke on the crucial role of the alumni in strengthening the educational ecosystem, urging for active participation and contributions to alumni associations.

“The alumni of an institution are in several ways its lifeline…. I strongly urge to have an alumni fund. Making annual contributions is all important. Some of the best institutions globally have been on an upward trajectory because these institutions are fuelled by alumni energy,” he said.

The vice president said associations of trade, industry, business, and commerce must also come forward to fuel research and spur innovation through liberal financial contributions.

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

New Delhi:

Launching a stinging attack on Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi without naming him, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday said there is nothing more “condemnable and despicable” than someone who holds a constitutional post “becoming part of” the enemies of the nation. 

Mr Dhankhar’s comments come a day after the BJP hit out at Mr Gandhi, with Union Minister Amit Shah leading the charge and alleging that it has become a habit for the Congress leader to stand with “forces that conspire to divide the country”. The Vice President’s volley was prompted by Mr Gandhi’s remarks during his visit to the US  in which he spoke – among other things – about reservation and religious freedom in India.

Addressing Rajya Sabha interns at Parliament House, the Vice President accused the Congress leader of having no idea of Bharat, the Constitution and national interest and said he was sure people’s hearts must be bleeding at what they had seen. 

“Imagine, the ultimate sacrifice has been given by how many in getting this freedom, in protecting this freedom, in protecting the nation. Our brothers and sisters are also involved in combat positions. Mothers have lost their sons,  wives have lost their husbands. We can’t ridicule our nationalism,” Mr Dhankhar thundered. 

“Every Indian outside the country has to be an ambassador of this nation. How painful that one who holds a Constitutional position is doing just the reverse of it. Nothing can be more condemnable, despicable and intolerable than that you become part of enemies of the nation! They do not understand the value of freedom. They do not understand that this country has a civilisational depth of 5,000 years,” he added.

Mr Dhankhar said the Constitution was sacred and a result of three years of painstaking work through debate, dialogue and deliberation. 

“The challenges before them were Himalayan, insurmountable. The issues were divisive, there could not be easy consensus. They worked for it, they worked for us. And now, some people want to divide our nation. This is ignorance in extremity,” the Vice President added. 

On Wednesday, Mr Gandhi had clarified his remarks on reservation – he had said that the Congress will “think of ending reservation when India is a fair place” – and insisted that his party would take the quota limit beyond 50%.

“Yesterday someone misrepresented my statement that I am against reservation. But let me make it clear – I am not against reservation. We will take reservation beyond the limit of 50 per cent,” he said during an interview at the National Press Club in the US.

New Delhi:

The turbulent relationship between Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and INDIA bloc parties came to a head on Friday with sources saying that the opposition is considering submitting a notice for moving a resolution to remove the vice-president from his office.

They said the timing of the notice is to be discussed and decided and though the resolution may not go through, it would be a statement to highlight the Chair’s “blatantly and consistently partisan” approach.

According to Article 67(b) of the Constitution, “Vice-President may be removed from his office by a resolution of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) passed by a majority of all the then members of the Council and agreed to by the House of the People; but no resolution for the purpose of this clause shall be moved unless at least fourteen days’ notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution.”

Opposition sources said 87 members have signed on the proposal to initiate action against Mr Dhankhar.

A source said around two days ago, Leader of the House JP Nadda was informally informed that the Opposition is considering submitting a motion for removing Mr Dhankhar.

The source said concerns of opposition parties include the microphone of the Leader of Opposition being turned off repeatedly. The opposition wants the House to be run by rules and convention and personal remarks against members are unacceptable, the source said.

Mr Dhankhar and INDIA bloc parties sparred on Friday once again with the Congress accusing the Chair of acting in a “partisan” manner against the entire opposition.

Soon after the opposition walked out of Rajya Sabha protesting against what they termed as “unacceptable” tone and disrespect shown by Mr Dhankhar, the Congress held a press conference to claim that the Chair was not giving the opposition the importance it deserves in the Upper House.

“Opposition parties feel that the Chairman’s approach is partisan. Rajya Sabha is a House that sets parameters for other legislatures. In that House, the Chairman should not be seen as partisan. The Congress is not alone in feeling that way, all opposition parties feel his behaviour is partial towards one side,” Congress leader Ajay Maken said at the press conference.

The opposition is not getting the importance it deserves in the Upper House, he said.

“If the opposition’s voice does not resonate in Rajya Sabha, where else will it resonate,” he asked.

Congress’s deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari claimed that Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge is not allowed to speak, he is frequently interrupted and his microphones are often shut.

“It is not about one party. Two-three days ago, Ghanshyam Tiwari used such words for the Leader of Opposition which were not right and were insulting and unacceptable. We had given notice for a privilege motion. We wanted to know the ruling on it, the ruling has not come, it has to be in writing,” he said.

Responding to a question, Mr Maken said, “All options are open, whatever is legal and in the rule book, whatever is in the Constitution, within the procedure of conduct, whatever provisions are there in the law, all options are open for us, we cannot remain mute spectators while democracy is being murdered.”

Earlier, the opposition walked out of the House, with Congress parliamentary party Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders in tow.

The walkout came after Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan and Dhankhar were engaged in a heated exchange in the Upper House.

“Main kalakar hoon, body language samajhti hoon, expression samajhti hoon… par sir, mujhe maaf kariyega magar apka tone jo hai is not acceptable (I am an artiste, I understand body language and expressions. Forgive me but your tone is not acceptable). We are colleagues sir, you may be sitting on the chair,” she said.

Mr Dhankhar hit back, saying, “Jaya ji, you’ve earned a great reputation. You know, an actor is subject to director. You’ve not seen what I see from here. I don’t want schooling. I am a person who has gone out of the way, and you say my tone… enough of it.”

Mr Nadda also hit out at the opposition and demanded they should apologise to Mr Dhankhar.

After the walkout, Ms Bachchan, flanked by Sonia Gandhi and other opposition leaders, told reporters that she objected to the tone used by the Chair.

“We are not schoolchildren. I was upset with the tone and especially when the LoP stood up to speak, his mic was switched off. How can you do this? If he is not going to be heard in the House, then what are we doing? On top of that, every time (they are) using words which are unparliamentary,” she said. 

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

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.)