Jaipur, June 30 (UNI) Jagdeep Dhankhar today categorically stated that he has not faced pressure of any sort while discharging his duties as the Vice President of India.
Addressing a function organised by the Ex MLAs Association (Rajasthan Pragatisheel Munch) here, Dhankhar responded to allegations that dignitaries holding high constitutional posts were "working under pressure".
He said: "There has been no pressure on me. Neither do I exert pressure (upon others) nor do I succumb to pressure (from others)".
Drawing pride from his Rajasthan origin, the vice president said - "I have drunk water of Rajasthan, one who has consumed Rajasthan's water can not succumb'.
In this context he made special mention of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and former Vice President late Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
Dhankhar said Birla, who has got the second successive term as the presiding officer of the Lower House of Parliament, also did not succumb to pressure. "It is not possible to pressurise him, I do work in association with him."
He expressed satisfaction over maintaining the high dignity of his constitutional position (as Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha) and also the glorious history of leaders from the state in performing a dignified role in such high constitutional offices. UNI XC SSP
Besides former VP late Shekhawat, he also recalled dignified functioning in high offices by leaders from Rajasthan including two term Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar, Rajasthan Assembly Speakers Narottam Joshi, Paras Ram Maderna, Girijaj Prasad, Laxman Singh, Shanti Lal Chaplot and Deependra Singh Shekhawat.
Elaborating on context of above observation, the Vice President said "(Rajasthan) Governor Haribhau Bagade - a six timer Maharashtra MLA and a former Minister- has well said that governor of a state becomes "easy punching bag".
"And suppose the government in his or her state is not convenient to the the government at the Centre, then targeting(with allegations) becomes easier. Now, the office of Vice President has also been inducted in this list and of late the office of President is also included", Dhankhar said.
This (trend) is matter of concern, introspection and philosophy, I do feel this is not good, it shouldn't be like this, the VP said.
Dhankhar said "I am making this clarification from the soil of Rajasthan because this matter was raised by one of my close and long time friends (leaders) from this state".
Governor Bagade also spoke on the occasion. Rajasthan Speaker Vasudev Devnani, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Tika Ram Jully and other dignitaries were present.
Earlier, the Vice President accompanied by wife Dr Sudesh also planted a sapling, in the name of his mother, in the premises of the Constitution Club of Rajasthan.