New Delhi, Feb. 7 -- Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday issued a stern warning against divisive forces in India, urging a strong response to those attempting to create rifts based on caste and regionalism.

Speaking at the Karnataka Vaibhava Literature and Cultural Festival in Ranebennur, Dhankhar said, "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 ...