Neither Read Constitution, Nor Law: VP Dhankhar Responds To CM Gehlot Questioning Frequent Visits To Rajasthan

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar responded to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's recent criticism, where Gehlot had mocked Dhankhar for his frequent visits to the poll-bound state.

Without explicitly naming the CM, Dhankhar remarked that the individual questioning him had "neither perused the Constitution nor the law." He challenged anyone to identify a law that prohibits the Vice-President from visiting any Indian state, The Hindu reported.

Gehlot had accused Dhankhar of undermining the Constitutional position and criticised his visits, labeling them as detrimental to democracy. Addressing an audience at Mody University of Science and Technology in Laxmangarh, Rajasthan, Dhankhar defended his tours, stating that they are meticulously planned well in advance.

Expressing surprise at the criticism, Dhankhar stated, "I don't know why they are saying that? I was a little surprised because the person saying this had neither read the Constitution nor the law, nor has he maintained the dignity of his post."

Dhankhar emphasised that all his visits were by invitation from various organisations and the Central government, clarifying that the State government had not organised any program or extended an invitation to him.

He added, "The 'Mody' name itself is powerful, and the name is enough to make everything possible," subtly alluding to the University's name and drawing attention to its homonymous nature with Prime Minister Modi.

It's worth noting that Gehlot is not the sole Opposition leader critical of the Vice-President's visits to Rajasthan. On 21 September, during a debate on the women's reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had also highlighted that Dhankhar had hinted about the Bill in a speech in Rajasthan nearly two weeks before it was introduced in Parliament.