Lucknow, May 1 (UNI) Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar on Thursday emphasised the need to respect constitutional posts and said the President and Governor hold the highest positions which uphold and safeguard the Indian Constitution.

Speaking at the launch of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel's autobiography titled 'Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hai' in Lucknow, the Vice&President said that these roles uphold and safeguard the Constitution and that commenting on such dignified offices warrants serious reflection.

He said that all institutions must fulfil their responsibilities sincerely and called for better harmony among the legislature, executive and judiciary. "We must respect our constitutional institutions. Each of us have our own limits and our Constitution expects coordination among us," he said.

Sharing his own experience, he said, "I deeply respect the judiciary. I have worked in this field for 40 years. Our judges are among the best, but I appeal that we must work together with cooperation and coordination."

Dhankhar praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath calling him a 'young CM' and the 'hero of Uttar Pradesh'. He said that when people older than Yogi call themselves young, it clearly shows how young and energetic Yogi is.

He said UP's remarkable development under CM Yogi over the past eight years deserves academic study. He praised UP for its remarkable progress under CM Yogi’s leadership, calling the Maha Kumbh one of the most extraordinary gatherings in the world.

The Vice President mentioned that this has never happened anywhere else in the world and credited Yogi as the guiding force behind the event. "The arrival of over 60 crore people at Maha Kumbh will be remembered for centuries," he said.

Speaking about UP's economic growth, he mentioned that it is a subject worth researching. "In just eight and a half years, without imposing any new taxes, the state's economy has grown from Rs 12.5 lakh crore to nearly Rs 30 lakh crore," he said.

He highlighted the sharp rise in per capita income and praised the massive development in infrastructure. He pointed out that 55 percent of India's expressways are in UP, six cities in the state have metro rail services, the highest in the country and there are 16 airports, including 4 international ones.

Dhankar praised the CM's fearless approach to leadership. "Running away from challenges or showing indifference is a sign of cowardice and there is no trace of cowardice in the CM, this doesn’t need any medical test," he said.

He acknowledged UP’s significant improvement in law and order, noting that eight years ago the state had a very different image. He praised CM Yogi for confronting challenges head-on, saying the positive results are now clearly visible.

The Vice President described Governor Anandiben Patel's biography as a source of inspiration for everyone. He praised her courage and firm stand against injustice and said that she likes challenges because she never tolerates injustice.

Dhankhar appreciated the choice of the day and venue for the book launch, stating that it coincided with Gujarat Foundation Day and Labour Day. He said hosting the event at Abdul Kalam Technical University reflects India's progress in the age of technology.

Admiring Anandiben Patel's courage, he said, "Writing such a book honestly is not easy. The biggest challenge is writing something titled 'Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hai'."

The Vice President praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it the nation's good fortune to have a strong leader for a third term. "He has turned challenges into opportunities," he said while pointing to progress like electricity, toilets, tap water, internet and health facilities reaching every household.

Highlighting the strength of Indian philosophy, he said that in times of crisis, one should turn to the Vedas, Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, which emphasise unwavering commitment to duty.

Speaking on UtP's development, Dhankar said the state gave India its first waterway and the first rapid rail. "Opportunities are rising like bubbles here," he said.

He also referred to the Emergency as a dark chapter in history and questioned the belief that people forget easily. "Have we forgotten the Emergency?," he said.

The event began with the traditional Saraswati Vandana and floral tributes to the idol of Goddess Vagdevi. Yogi presented the Vice President with an Amrit Kalash filled with Gangajal. Anarben Patel, daughter of Governor Anandiben Patel, honoured him and her mother, while her brother Sanjaybhai felicitated CM Yogi and Swami Chidanand Saraswati.

A documentary based on the Governor's life was also screened during the programme. Anarben shared memories from her mother's inspiring journey and Swami Chidanand Muni described Anandiben's life as a message of courage and service.

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