‘Disruption Weaponised As Strategic Means To Taint Temples Of Democracy’: Dhankhar On Parliament Protests

Congress and other opposition parties are demanding a discussion on the Manipur issue particularly over a video purportedly shot on May 4 and depicting atrocities against women in the state. 

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's address during a convcation at Jamia Millia Islamia ( Image Source :ANI )

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday said that disruption and disturbance in temples of democracy cannot be weaponised as a political strategy. Addressing a convocation at Jamia Millia Islamia in the national capital Dhankhar said, “Democracy is about dialogue, discussion, deliberation and debate to secure the public good. Surely, Democracy cannot be disturbance and disruption.” The Monsoon Session of the Parliament which began on July 20 has remained deadlock till date over the ethnic violence in Manipur.

Congress and other opposition parties are demanding a discussion on the Manipur issue particularly over a video purportedly shot on May 4 and depicting atrocities against women in the state. 

“I am pained and anguished to indicate to you that disruption and disturbance have been weaponised as strategic means to taint the temples of Democracy, that should be functional to secure justice for the people at large,” said the Vice President in his address. 

#WATCH | Delhi: Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar says, "...Democracy is about dialogue, discussion, deliberation and debate to secure the public good. Surely, Democracy cannot be disturbance & disruption...I am pained and anguished to indicate to you that disruption and… pic.twitter.com/ud4V6DcJaY

— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2023

“There cannot be an alibi for not making Parliament functional every second. People of the country are paying a huge price for it...When there is a disruption of Parliament on a particular day, there can't be a question hour. Question hour is a mechanism to generate accountability and transparency in governance," he added. 

During his address, Dhankhar advised youth to empower themselves, not by political intoxication but through capacity building and personality development.

Talking about the National Education Policy, he said there is a "requirement for adopting this policy" in some parts of the country.

"I am sure they will fall in line and reap the harvest of this great policy. It is based on skill-based courses, vocational training and giving a new dimension to our educational learning. It is crucial for students to become innovators and entrepreneurs," he said.

He also highlighted the "impactful" visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US and France, while noting that the entire world is eager to partner with India.

"India's relevance in resolution of global issues was never so prominent as it is today. But friends, when India grows, when you avail opportunity there are challenges too. Your progress cannot be to the liking of everyone.