NEW DELHI: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar intensified his criticism of leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying that no recognition could be given to individuals who tarnish reputation of India’s institutions domestically and abroad.
Without naming anyone, Dhankhar pointed out the importance of projecting a positive image of India on the global stage, particularly when citizens travel overseas.
Dhankhar said, “We cannot have a wrong picture of Bharat painted outside in particular. Every Indian, every Bharatiya who goes outside this country is an ambassador of this nation. He has to have nothing in his heart except 100% commitment for the nation, nationalism.”
He argued that India’s current environment offers ample opportunity for individuals to develop and succeed, but said some narratives overlook this progress by focusing on the negatives.
Dhankhar also criticised comments made in the United States, suggesting that only upper-class individuals are admitted to prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs. He dismissed such claims, saying, “They are in a fool’s paradise. The privileged class no longer holds sway in India, and everyone is accountable to the rule of law.”
This indirect attack on Rahul came shortly after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing “extremely objectionable” statements by ruling alliance members targeting Gandhi. Kharge called for legal action to prevent the “deterioration of Indian politics”.
Dhankhar, further in his address, called for media outlets to adopt a more courageous stance, focusing less on individual-centric narratives. According to Dhankhar, democracy thrives when the media stays aligned with the nation’s progress.
He also touched on the creation of Sansad TV, highlighting the need for a unified approach, as the Indian Constitution defines Parliament as a single entity.
Dhankhar had earlier labeled Rahul Gandhi’s comments regarding the 50% cap on reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs as reflective of an “anti-constitutional mindset.” Congress leaders have continued to challenge his position, asking if he supports Rahul’s call to lift the cap.
Without naming anyone, Dhankhar pointed out the importance of projecting a positive image of India on the global stage, particularly when citizens travel overseas.
Dhankhar said, “We cannot have a wrong picture of Bharat painted outside in particular. Every Indian, every Bharatiya who goes outside this country is an ambassador of this nation. He has to have nothing in his heart except 100% commitment for the nation, nationalism.”
He argued that India’s current environment offers ample opportunity for individuals to develop and succeed, but said some narratives overlook this progress by focusing on the negatives.
Dhankhar also criticised comments made in the United States, suggesting that only upper-class individuals are admitted to prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs. He dismissed such claims, saying, “They are in a fool’s paradise. The privileged class no longer holds sway in India, and everyone is accountable to the rule of law.”
This indirect attack on Rahul came shortly after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing “extremely objectionable” statements by ruling alliance members targeting Gandhi. Kharge called for legal action to prevent the “deterioration of Indian politics”.
Dhankhar, further in his address, called for media outlets to adopt a more courageous stance, focusing less on individual-centric narratives. According to Dhankhar, democracy thrives when the media stays aligned with the nation’s progress.
He also touched on the creation of Sansad TV, highlighting the need for a unified approach, as the Indian Constitution defines Parliament as a single entity.
Dhankhar had earlier labeled Rahul Gandhi’s comments regarding the 50% cap on reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs as reflective of an “anti-constitutional mindset.” Congress leaders have continued to challenge his position, asking if he supports Rahul’s call to lift the cap.