Opposition used ‘rusted knife’: Dhankhar breaks silence on attempt to remove him

Breaking his silence on the opposition’s attempt to remove him, Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday termed it a hasty move akin to using a rusted vegetable-cutting knife for bypass surgery.

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“Just look at the notice against the Vice-President. Just look at the six links they have given. You'll be shocked. Chandra Shekhar ji once said, ‘Never use a vegetable-cutting knife for bypass surgery.’ The notice wasn't even a vegetable-cutting knife; it was rusted. There was haste. When I read it, I was astonished. But what surprised me more was that none of you read it. If you had, you wouldn’t have been able to sleep for days,” Dhankhar said.

Addressing a function of the Women Journalist Welfare Trust at Vice-President’s Enclave, Dhankhar said, “Any constitutional position has to be vindicated by commitment to sublimity, sterling qualities and constitutionalism. We are not in a position to settle scores. Because for the success of democracy, two things are inalienable: expression and dialogue.”

He said, “If expression is qualified, compromised, or made subject to coercion, democratic values are flawed. It is antithetical to democratic evolution… Before you use your vocal cords, allow your ears to entertain the other point of view. Without these two elements, democracy can neither be nurtured nor blossom.”

Cautioning against orchestrated efforts to harm national interests, the Vice-President said, “Quite often I have seen for myself, these are fuelled in an orchestrated manner by forces that are determined to be inimical to the interest of this country. Their objective is to destroy, brick by brick, our constitutional institutions, slur the presidency, and mind you, who is the President? The first tribal woman to become President of this country.”

He lamented that in the last 10-30 years there haven’t been many great debates in Parliament. “We are in the news for the wrong reasons. The pressure has to come from your category. Accountability must be enforced by the media, the only conveyance to the people at large. Media can strike a chord with the people and generate pressure on public representatives,” he said.

Highlighting the responsibility of journalists in shaping narratives and defending constitutional values, Dhankhar said, “Journalism is a tough game. To maintain journalistic ethics, to be investigative, to look at areas the government doesn't want you to see, a welfare trust and a strong legal body are essential to safeguard your interests.”

He lauded the contributions of women journalists and anchors -- both in India and globally. “Women journalists bring unparalleled perspectives, and their numbers are growing daily. It is only a matter of time before this field is dominated by women. Your challenges only mean opportunities for you,” he noted.

On the rapid economic growth of India and the critical role of the media in this transformative journey, the Vice President said, “We are now the fifth largest global economy, and Japan and Germany will be overtaken in the next year or two, making us the third largest. To be a developed nation, our income has to go eightfold. A daunting task, but achievable.”

He said, “I have no doubt that in Bharat, which is unusually seeing an ecosystem of hope and possibility, your role is significant. Your challenges only mean opportunities for you. In your profession, you will have to contend with disruptive technologies. You’ll have to contend with it. And learn fast at it. Because narratives are given wings only to generate sensation.”

Describing the Women’s Reservation Bill as an epochal development, Dhankhar said, “In 2023, after three decades of setbacks where there was intention but no effort, a game-changing constitutional amendment was enacted. One-third reservation for women in state legislatures and the Lok Sabha is a reality. This vertical and horizontal reservation will ensure one-third representation for women in all segments, including SC and ST categories. It is truly an Amrit Kaal for women in Indian democracy.”