'Not favourable': VP Dhankhar criticises India's political atmosphere; calls for 'greater decorum'

NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over the current political scenario in the country, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday asserted that today's political atmosphere is "not favourable for the Indian democracy ."

Dhankhar was speaking at an event organised by the Rajasthan Pragatisheel Manch in Jaipur.

"The intensity and tone of political exchanges today are detrimental to the democratic and social fabric of the nation. The environment and temperature of politics today are neither suitable for democracy nor are they in tune with ancient civilisational values," news agency PTI quoted the vice president as saying.

Further, he stressed that "political opponents are not enemies," and called for "greater decorum" in legislative conduct.

"Political rivals are not enemies. Enemies may exist across borders but there should be none within the country. Public disenchantment with the conduct of lawmakers inside legislatures could erode faith in democratic institutions .," Dhankhar stated.

The vice president, who is from Rajasthan, also cautioned that people would look for "alternatives" if democratic institutions are "compromised."

Opposition parties, he noted, are vital in a democracy and are not "adversaries" of the ruling parties.

"Expression is the soul of democracy. But when expression becomes repressive, intolerant or dismissive of opposing views, it loses its meaning. Constructive debate is essential. Listening to others gives strength to one's own views," Dhankhar added.