Dhankhar expresses concern over 'growing threat of demographic disorder'

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar voiced serious concerns regarding the growing threat of demographic disorder in India likening its potential consequences to those of a nuclear bomb reported news agency PTISpeaking at a program at the Birla Auditorium in Jaipur he highlighted how demographic dislocation is transforming certain regions into political strongholds where elections have no real meaningIt is alarming to see how some areas have been affected by this strategic shift turning them into impenetrable strongholds where democracy loses its essence he saidDhankhar clarified that while organic demographic changes are not concerning but those brought about in a strategic manner to achieve an objective is frighteningHe pointed out a disturbing pattern in demographic shifts over recent decades that poses challenges to Indiarsquos values civilisational ethos and democracyIf this alarmingly worrisome challenge is not addressed systematically it would escalate into an existential threat for the nation I need not name countries that have lost their identity 100 per cent because of this demographic disorder demographic earthquake he saidThe Vice President expressed alarm over attacks on shared cultural heritage and called for an ideological and mental counterattack against forces attempting to undermine itAttempts are being made to portray it as our weakness Under this there is a plan to destroy the country There should be an ideological and mental counterattack on such forces the VP statedWe as a majority are allembracing tolerant generate a soothing ecosystem and we have a counterpoint written on the wall The other kind of majority is brute ruthless and reckless in its functioning believing in trampling all the values of the other side he said terming it alarmingly worrisome reported PTIWe therefore all have to work with passion in a missionary mode to build a cohesive society that thinks in necessary terms and is not divided by factions of caste creed colour culture conviction and cuisines he addedDhankhar asserted that Bharat must remain a stabilising global forceThis force has to emerge This century has to belong to Bharat and that will be good for humanity that will contribute to peace and harmony on the planet However it would be a disservice to the nation if we turn a blind eye to the dangers of demographic upheavals that are taking place in this country he saidThe Vice President also addressed the threat posed by what he termed as champions of anarchy He stated that some seek to divide society along caste and community linesThese elements driven by selfish interests are sacrificing national unity for petty partisan gains They seek to divide us on the basis of caste creed and community and these forces are actively working to compromise Bharats social harmony he saidHe noted that some political figures sacrifice national interests for shortterm gains These misadventures need to be neutralised to change the landscape he saidDhankhar said that Indias developmental journey is stunning the worldHowever this economic rise is fragile if social unity is disturbed if the fervour of nationalism dies or if antinational forces within and outside continue to sow divisiveness in the country Everyone should remain mindful of these threats he saidDhankhar expressed concern about a growing disregard for the rule of law among some individuals in positions of power He remarked on a shift in attitudes towards accountabilityThere was a time when some people thought they were above the law They were privileged but things have changed Even today we see responsible people in constitutional positions who do not care about the law do not care about the nation These are sinister designs orchestrated by forces inimical to Bharats progress he saidHe stressed that political power must derive from the people We cannot be crazy for political power Political power has to emanate from the people through a democratic process that is sanctifiedWith inputs from PTI