The North News
New Delhi, March 7
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has called for a national debate on the country’s shift from democracy to ’emocracy,’ warning that emotion-driven policies and debates could undermine good governance. Speaking at the inaugural ‘Murli Deora Memorial Dialogues’ in Mumbai, Dhankhar expressed concerns over populism, appeasement politics, and the economic risks of electoral promises. “Populism is historically bad economics, and once a leader embraces it, escaping the crisis becomes difficult,” Dhankhar said. He urged political leaders to prioritize lasting benefits for the public rather than short-term gains, adding, “Empower people to empower themselves rather than momentarily, as it affects productivity.” Addressing the dangers of excessive electoral promises, he said, “Excessive spending on electoral promises reduces the state’s ability to invest in infrastructure, harming growth. Elections are vital in democracy but not its end. I urge political parties to review promises that compromise the state’s capital expenditure.”
Dhankhar distinguished affirmative action for marginalized communities from appeasement politics, supporting constitutional provisions for reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and economically weaker sections. “This is not placatory or appeasing. It is a justifiable economic policy,” he noted. Highlighting demographic challenges and illegal migration, he warned, “Millions of illegal migrants in India are straining healthcare, education, and employment. Their electoral relevance in some areas is shaping democracy, posing risks to our nation’s ethnic identity.”
On mass conversions through allurements, Dhankhar described it as a “malaise” worse than COVID-19, stating, “If faith is held hostage by temptations, it defaces freedom of faith.” The Vice-President emphasized the importance of preserving the sovereignty of ‘We the People’ as outlined in the Constitution’s Preamble, which he said symbolizes the ultimate repository of sovereignty.
Paying tribute to Murli Deora, Dhankhar praised him as a unifying figure in politics, known for his pioneering role in securing a ban on smoking in public places. “Murli Deora’s life was a testament to leadership as a journey of service,” he said.
The event was attended by Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, MP Milind Deora, and other dignitaries.
