Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said he does not work under pressure nor imposes it on others, and called for a politics of dignity, mutual respect and national unity during a public address at the ‘Sneh Milan Samaroh’ in Jaipur. In a wide-ranging and forthright speech, he addressed concerns raised by his longtime friend and former Rajasthan Chief Minister about political pressures. He publicly reassured him, stating that he was neither under pressure nor one to exert it.
He reflected on his decades-old friendship with the former Chief Minister, underscoring their strong political and personal bond, and said that the concerns expressed stemmed from genuine care. Dhankhar also commented on the often-contentious treatment of constitutional authorities, stating that Governors were increasingly treated as political targets, especially when State and Central governments are ruled by different parties. Now, even the offices of the President and Vice-President were being dragged into political disputes, he observed, terming the trend inappropriate and deserving of reflection.
Calling for a more temperate political climate, he warned that heightened political temperature was harmful both to individuals and democracy at large. He said political rivals must not become personal enemies, and asserted that “our enemies may be across the borders—not within the country.” He expressed concern over the decline in political discourse and warned that citizens would turn to alternate platforms if legislatures fail to uphold standards of conduct.
The Vice-President stressed that when travelling abroad, party lines disappear, and leaders represent only Bharat. “There is no ruling or opposition party when we step outside the country,” he said, adding that the nation’s interests must remain supreme regardless of internal differences. He described this attitude as a display of Bharatiyata and a powerful message of unity.
Highlighting India’s rise on the global stage, he pointed out that the nation had transformed from being among the five most fragile economies to now being the fourth largest in the world, surpassing major economies such as Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom. He urged that the country’s progress be viewed globally rather than politically, crediting each era—from the 1950s onwards—for significant accomplishments. He described the last decade as “India’s decade of economic rise,” unmatched by any major nation.
On democratic values, Dhankhar emphasized that opposition is not enmity, and that democracy depends on free expression and meaningful debate—what the Vedas refer to as Anantavaad. He warned that if dissent is dismissed or debate becomes merely confrontational, then expression loses its essence. He called for healthy debate, open listening, and constructive disagreement.
He lauded the legacy of India’s Constituent Assembly, which took nearly three years to forge the Constitution through dialogue and compromise, without disruptions or confrontation. He cited their example to underscore how civility and consensus must guide public life.
Addressing agricultural policymaking, he said that if government subsidies reach farmers directly, each household could receive over ₹30,000 per year. He praised the ₹6,000 annual transfer under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme as a significant beginning and said that if fertiliser subsidies too were directly transferred, it would empower farmers to choose natural or organic farming practices. He cited the United States as an example, where farming households earn more than the average household income, suggesting that India must aim for similar outcomes.
The event was attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Vasudev Devnani, Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Juli, Rajasthan Progressive Forum Patron Harimohan Sharma, Working President Jeetram Chaudhary and other dignitaries.
