Judiciary being misused to incite anti-national sentiments: VP Dhankhar

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday dismissed the ongoing debate on regionalism versus nationalism as “absurd”, asserting that access to justice is being weaponised by certain forces to incite anti-national sentiments.

“How can there even be a debate on regionalism versus nationalism in this country? This discussion is baseless and absurd. In recent years, money has been used and access to the judiciary has been weaponised by forces seeking to fuel anti-national sentiments,” Dhankhar said while inaugurating the third edition of the Karnataka Vaibhava Literature and Cultural Festival.

Warning against divisive elements, the VP stated, “The challenges we are facing today are more serious than even climate change. Certain individuals, through their actions, are creating divisions in a despicable manner — whether based on caste, regionalism or other factors. When you look at the root of this issue, you will find the hand of anti-national forces.”

He expressed concern over the misuse of judicial access, emphasising, “Our Constitution grants every individual the right to seek justice, but in recent years, this access has been exploited to fuel anti-national narratives. Such a trend is unprecedented in any other country.”

Dhankhar also warned against attempts to influence India’s electoral process, stating, “India, as the world’s oldest, strongest and most vibrant democracy, is facing efforts to manipulate its electoral system. These attempts come from entities that should have no involvement in the process, yet they persist. We must stand united and develop a strong collective resolve to counter such threats.”

Emphasising the need to preserve India’s cultural heritage, the VP remarked, “India’s progress is admired worldwide, like a peacock dancing in the rain. But when I look at the peacock’s feet, I am forced to reflect with concern. We must safeguard our cultural philosophy instead of cutting the very branch on which we thrive.”