VP Dhankhar Urges Political Parties for Bonhomie

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar called for greater bonhomie and mutual respect among political parties.
• He urged politicians to avoid unbecoming language, personal attacks, and bitterness in public discourse, especially on television.
• Dhankhar emphasized that “politics is not confrontation” and that disagreements should not lead to animosity.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th July: Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, today appealed for greater bonhomie and mutual respect among political parties, emphasizing that “suggestions for improvement is not condemnation or criticism.” He urged parties to engage in constructive politics, stressing that “politics is not confrontation.”

Speaking at the inaugural program for the eighth batch of participants in the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme (RSIP) at the Vice-President’s Enclave, Shri Dhankhar highlighted the need for a shift in political discourse. “I appeal to everyone in the political spectrum — please have mutual respect. Please don’t trade unbecoming language on television or otherwise against the leadership of one party or the other. This culture is not our civilizational essence,” he stated, adding, “Avoid personal attacks… Time for us to stop calling politicians names.”

The Vice President expressed his concern over the prevailing bitterness in public debates. “Isn’t it tiring to the ears? Our ears are fed up, aren’t they?” he questioned, noting the acrimony often seen on television. He stressed, “We can have differences of opinion, we can have disagreements but how can we have bitterness in our hearts? We are Indians.” He advocated for “Anantavad – the belief in endless dialogue,” where diverse views are respected without assuming one’s own opinion as the absolute truth.

Dhankhar emphasized that “a thriving democracy… cannot afford an atmosphere of constant acrimony.” He urged for a reduction in political temperature, asserting that “politics can never be unidirectional.” While acknowledging different thought processes, he strongly believes “no person in this country will think against the nation. I cannot visualise a political party being against the concept of Bharat.” He cautioned that internal political fighting only strengthens adversaries.

He further underlined the importance of keeping politics aside on issues of national interest, development, economic growth, and national security. “Let us not have politics when there is national interest, let us not have politics over development, let us not have politics when it comes to the growth of the nation. Let us not have politics when it is an issue of national security, national concern,” he urged, stressing India’s standing as a sovereign nation that should not have its political agenda dictated or influenced by inimical external forces.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament, Shri Dhankhar expressed hope for “meaningful and serious deliberations.” He acknowledged that while perfection is elusive and shortcomings will exist, “if someone gives a suggestion to improve something, it is not condemnation. It is not a criticism. It is only a suggestion for further development.” He appealed to all parties, both ruling and opposition, to embrace constructive politics.