VP urges leaders not to disrespect each other, politicise issues of national interest

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Speaking at the inaugural programme for the eighth batch of participants of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme (RSIP) at the Vice-President’s Enclave, Dhankhar appealed to the political fraternity to maintain decorum.

“Please have mutual respect. Do not trade unbecoming language on television or otherwise against the leadership of any party. This culture is not our civilizational essence. We must be careful with our words and avoid personal attacks,” he said.

Emphasising the need for dignified political discourse, he added, “Time for us to stop calling politicians names. It does no good to our culture when senior leaders are targeted with derogatory remarks.” He stressed that every political party and parliamentarian was, at heart, a nationalist and mutual respect should prevail.

Dhankhar advocated for greater dialogue among leaders to serve national interests. “If political discussions take place at a higher level, if leaders engage more frequently, exchange ideas and foster mutual understanding, the nation will benefit. Why should we fight amongst ourselves? Let us not look for enemies within,” he said.

He also cautioned against politicising critical national issues. “Let us not play politics when it comes to national interest, development, growth, security or concerns that affect India’s standing in the world,” he said.

Looking ahead to the monsoon session of Parliament, Dhankhar underscored the importance of constructive debates. “We must be resilient and firm in our beliefs, but also respect opposing viewpoints. Thinking ‘I alone am right, and everyone else is wrong’ is not democracy. It is ego and arrogance. We must rise above it,” he said, calling for a more collaborative and respectful political environment.