Illegal migration strains India’s economy and electoral systems: Vice President Dhankhar

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday described illegal migration as a growing problem of "unmanageable proportions" with the potential to disrupt electoral systems and burden national resources. Speaking at an event themed "Ideas for building Better Bharat" in Raipur, Dhankhar interacted with students from NIT Raipur, IIT Bhilai, and IIM Raipur.

"We are suffering illegal migration in this country of millions. It strains resources, employment, healthcare, and education. The issue is growing complex by the day and must be addressed urgently," he stated, urging the need for national-first politics.

Demographic disruptions and conversions
Dhankhar expressed concern over demographic explosions and what he termed as "orchestrated conversions" aimed at destabilising democracy. “Demographic disruptions are serious. Organic demographic evolution is harmonious, but forced explosions or conversions undermine stability,” he remarked, adding that conversions influenced by allurements are a matter of national concern.

UCC and constitutional obligations
Touching upon the contentious topic of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Dhankhar emphasised its inclusion in the Constitution's Directive Principles of State Policy. "The framers of the Constitution envisioned it for a maturing democracy. Uttarakhand has taken steps, and objecting to a constitutional directive is misplaced," he said.

Role of institutions in governance
The Vice President underlined the importance of state organs functioning within their constitutional domains. "Institutions must respect each other's territory. The executive role cannot be outsourced or overtaken by other institutions," he cautioned, stressing that democracy relies on mutual respect and restraint.

Call for dialogue and accountability
Advocating structured dialogue among political parties, Dhankhar called for a unified approach to issues of nationalism, development, and security. Highlighting ancient traditions of debate, he said, "Nations are built on consensus and collective wisdom."

Dhankhar also condemned destruction of public property and lawlessness, urging the youth to use social media to hold offenders accountable. “How can a nation of 1.4 billion, with rich civilisational ethos, tolerate public order challenges? Those responsible must face severe consequences and financial accountability," he stated.

Dignitaries in attendance
The event witnessed the presence of Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, and other prominent officials and faculty members from NIT, IIT Bhilai, and IIM Raipur.

With ANI inputs