The Chhattisgarh

Tag: Democracy

  • Not Too Many More Vibrant Democracies In The World Than India: White House | world news

    Washington: Applauding the people of India for exercising their right to vote, the White House on Friday said there are not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than India.

    “Not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than India. And we applaud the Indian people for exercising, you know, their ability to vote, and to have a voice in their future government. And we wish them well throughout the process, of course,” White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby told reporters at a news conference here.

    Kirby was responding to a question on the ongoing Indian elections, wherein over 969 million people are exercising their right to franchise at one million polling stations to elect 545 members of parliament from thousands of candidates representing as many as 2,660 registered political parties.

    Responding to another question, Kirby said the India-US relationship has strengthened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in particular during the last three years of the Biden administration. “Our relationship with India is extremely close and getting closer,” he said.

    “You saw it on a State visit (last visit). We launched all kinds of new initiatives, working on critical emerging technologies together, and bolstering and expanding the relevance of the Indo-Pacific quad, of course, which India is a part of. And then, just the people to people exchanges, and the military that we share with India,” Kirby said.

    “It’s a very vibrant, very active partnership. We are grateful for Prime Minister Modi’s leadership,” said the White House official.

    When asked if President Joe Biden believes that India and Japan are xenophobic countries, he replied in the negative and said the president was recently making a broader point.

    “I mean, the president was making a broader point here about the vibrancy of our own democracy, here in the United States, and how inclusive and participatory it is,” Kirby said.

  • ‘India Does Not Need Lessons From…’: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar After US, Germany, UN Comment On Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest |

    New Delhi: Countering recent comments by the US, Germany and the UN on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has affirmed India’s stance as a sovereign nation with a robust judicial system. Addressing attendees at the 70th Founders’ Day celebrations of the Indian Institute of Public Administration in New Delhi, VP Dhankhar emphasized that India does not require lessons from any country on the rule of law. “Recently, people are telling us about the rule of law. One country in Europe, a developed democracy, they need to think within. They need to attend to their own affairs,” stated Dhankhar, asserting India’s capability to manage its internal matters independently.

    “Equality before the law is a ‘new norm’ in India today and the law is holding those accountable who thought themselves as beyond law,” he said. “But what do we see? The moment law takes its course, they take to the streets, high decibel debates, camouflaging the culpability of the worst nature by human rights. This is happening under our nose,” he added.

    Challenges To The Rule Of Law

    Dhankhar highlighted the challenges faced by Indian democracy, noting that some individuals resort to street protests and high-decibel debates when faced with legal proceedings. He condemned attempts to evade accountability by masking wrongdoing under the guise of human rights advocacy.

    Strengthening Judicial System

    The Vice President praised India’s judicial system as robust, pro-people, and independent, urging deeper reflection on the tendency to circumvent the rule of law. He emphasized that corruption no longer offers immunity, stating unequivocally that “corruption is not a passage to opportunity, employment, or a contract anymore. It is a passage to jail.”

    Defending Institutions

    Expressing concern over attempts to undermine Indian institutions, Dhankhar questioned the legitimacy of unregistered political entities and called for accountability and transparency in political engagement.

    India’s Global Standing

    Asserting India’s rightful place on the global stage, Dhankhar highlighted the nation’s contributions to global governance and advocated for India’s inclusion in the United Nations Security Council. He argued that India’s constitutionally structured democracy uniquely qualifies it to represent the interests of diverse nations.

    In addition to his remarks, Vice President Dhankhar inaugurated the renovated premises of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and unveiled several publications. The event was attended by dignitaries including Surendra Nath Tripathi, DG, IIPA, and Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA.