New Delhi: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has expressed grave concerns over the increasing divisiveness and polarisation in Indian politics, calling for urgent measures to restore harmony in the nation’s polity. He emphasised on the importance of dialogue and consensus to address the challenges facing the country while delivering the inaugural address at the 25th National Conference of Chairpersons of State Public Service Commissions in Bengaluru on Saturday.
“Our polity at the moment is too divisive, too polarised. Interaction is not taking place at the premium level in political organisations. When it comes to the nation, harmony is not just wishful thinking but an imperative,” Dhankhar stated. Drawing an analogy, he added, “If the polity is polarised and deeply divisive with no communication channels functioning, it’s like being in an earthquake, lost and disconnected from the world.”
‘Divisive political climate far more dangerous’
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the Vice-President stressed the need for “political fire extinguishers” to mitigate the vitiated political climate. “A divisive political climate is far more dangerous than the challenges posed by climate change,” he remarked, adding that calm and harmony in the political atmosphere are vital for the country to fully realise its potential in the 21st century.
Dhankhar stressed upon the critical role the strong institutions play in ensuring the nation’s progress. He warned against the weakening of institutions, equating it to a prick on the body that causes pain to the entire system. “States and the Union must work in tandem, in a synergetic mode, and always in sync when it comes to national interest,” he urged.
‘Paper leaks major challenge’
Expressing his concern over post-retirement assignments in public services, the Vice-President called for a meritocratic and transparent approach to appointments. “Indispensability is a myth. Talent abounds in this country, and public service commissions must remain free from patronage and favoritism,” he asserted.
Addressing the paper leak allegations, Dhankhar termed it a major challenge. He described it as an “industry and commerce” that undermines the fairness of selection processes. “This is a menace. You have to curb. Your fairness of selection will have no meaning if paper leakages are there. And paper leakage has become an industry, a commerce. People, young boys and girls used to have fear of examinations. How difficult the question will be. How will we address it? Now they are having two fears. One is fear of examination. Second, fear of leakage. So when they are giving their very best for several months and weeks to prepare for an examination, and they receive the setback of leakage,” he said.
VP calls for greater dialogue and inclusivity
The Vice-President called for greater dialogue and inclusivity in governance, urging political leaders to create an ecosystem of discussion and deliberation. “We cannot afford to relegate problems to the background. Issues must be addressed promptly through dialogue, formal or informal, reflecting our civilizational ethos,” he said.
He also criticised the increasing partisanship among intellectuals, urging them to be objective and act as “fire extinguishers” in times of social discord. He expressed disappointment over the trend of intellectuals signing representations without due diligence, solely to curry favour with potential political dispensations.
He called on political and intellectual leaders alike to set aside divisive tendencies and focus on strengthening the democratic framework for the collective good of the nation.
