The Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today warned against divisive forces, stating, "I have no hesitation in saying that the challenges we are facing are more serious than even climate change... [Some] people, in the style they are adopting, are creating divisions in a despicable manner. There are many bases for division—caste, regionalism. I don't understand how there can be a debate about regionalism versus nationalism in this country. How absurd and baseless it is, but when you look at its roots, you will find the hand of anti-national forces."

In his address at the inauguration of the third edition of the Karnataka Vaibhava Literature and Cultural Festival at Ranebennur in Karnataka, the Vice President said, "These forces [divisive forces] work in different ways. They have adopted new paths, and on many issues, you will see they turn to the judiciary. I am concerned because our Constitution has given every individual the right in the judicial system, and what is the right? That they can seek the shelter of the court. But in recent years, money has been used to fuel anti-national sentiments, and access to the judiciary has been weaponized in a way that is not happening in any other country."

He further stated, "The forces challenging the nation, trying to create a clash between nationalism and regionalism, must receive a strong response. They want to shake our cultural heritage."

Emphasizing on the need to preserve the nation's cultural philosophy, the Vice President said, "On this day, when I look to one side, I see India's progress through the eyes of the world, through the eyes of the people living within the nation. They are like the feathers of the peacock dancing in the rain... But when I look at the peacock's feet, I get worried, forced to reflect, and then I feel the need for our cultural philosophy. We are trying to cut the branch on which we are thriving, on which we are sitting."