Illegal migration would distort electoral politics, says Dhankhar

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar urges youth to counter anti-national narratives and prioritize economic nationalism for India's benefit.

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Sunday (February 2, 2025) that the country cannot permit the entry of millions of illegal migrants and allow electoral politics to be disturbed by demographic dislocation. He appealed to youth to neutralise anti-national narratives.

Mr. Dhankhar, also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, voiced concerns over frequent disruptions in Parliament.

Speaking at the World Forum of Accountants (WOFA) conference in the national capital, he said youth should be concerned about existential challenges.

“Our nation cannot afford to have millions of illegal migrants... We cannot allow our electoral politics to be disturbed by demographic dislocations and earthquakes. These are things that will matter to you because these are the challenges for which you will have to collectively finally answer,” he said.

Without elaborating further, Mr. Dhankhar said, "I have no doubt... it is said that for informed people, a gesture is enough)."

Expressing concern that some people and entities are upset by the country's development journey, the Vice President also said there is a trend to generate sensation and narratives.

"In the narratives, nation, nationalism, and national interest are forgotten," he said.