Decorum, discipline is the heart and soul of democracy: Dhankhar

Jaipur: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday stressed that decorum and discipline are the heart and soul of democracy and urged the elected representatives to set high standards through their words and conduct. Addressing the members of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly during a felicitation ceremony organized in his honour in Jaipur on Tuesday, Dhankhar said that the reputation of people’s representatives and the efficiency of parliamentary institutions is critical to the flourishing of democracy. “Failure on these counts would adversely impact other public institutions as well,” he said. Interestingly, the Vice President was given a unique welcome as inspite of the flower bouquet, Dhankhar was gifted flowering plants.

Dhankhar said, “It’s a very emotional moment for me. I am grateful to Speaker CP Joshi. I have had a relationship with CM Gehlot for more than 50 years and we may have been on any side of the politics, but the family relationship will always remain.

: Addressing the members of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly during a felicitation ceremony organised in his honour, Jagdeep Dhankhar said, When I was the Governor of West Bengal, I had sought help from Vasundhara Raje. I asked her that since my CM is Mamata Banerjee, so tell me about any magic.” Remembering GC Kataria, Kailash Meghwal & Rajendra Rathore, Dhankhar said, “I had campaigned for Rajendra Rathore and I also did magic that Rathore never lost.” Interestingly, hearing this, CM Gehlot also smiled, as Dhankhar continued, “I learned this magic from Devilal & Bhairon Singh. Where Bhairon Singh Shekhawat was, I am today. There is no greater achievement for me than this.” He stressed the need for political parties to come on a common platform and resolve their differences through a consensual approach. “Parliament and legislature are the key to a healthy democracy. How can public representatives behave like this? I can understand the pain of CP Joshi and Kailash Meghwal,” he said. Dhankhar thanked Speaker Joshi and all Members of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.

Meanwhile, CM Ashok Gehlot said, “I have had a relationship with Dhankhar sahib for 50 years. Your role as Governor and Mamata Banerjee’s role as CM, the relationship of both of you remained the subject of discussion in the whole country. But when you become the candidate for vice president, Mamata Banerjee indirectly supported you. Mamata Banerjee’s MPs were absent in the election. I am a magician, then how did you do magic? I am the greatest magician, so has there ever been a greater magician than me?” Listening to this, Dhankhar burst in laughter. Gehlot further added, “I made the first call when you became the Vice President. You always increased the respect and honour of the people of Rajasthan.” Speaker Joshi said, “I am the first Speaker who welcomed you as Governor and Vice President. Now your role will also be as the Speaker of the Upper House of Parliament.” LoP Gulab Chand Kataria said, “This is not only a welcome to Dhankhar but to 6 crore people of Rajasthan.”