Jaipur, July 1 -- Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday voiced concern over the state of Indian democracy, stating that the current political atmosphere is detrimental to the nation's democratic and social fabric. In what is being seen as a sharp rebuttal to former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot's recent remarks, Dhankhar asserted that he neither comes under pressure nor exerts pressure on others. Gehlot had claimed in Jodhpur that key constitutional authorities, including the Vice President, are functioning under political pressure and accused the BJP of not believing in democracy. Addressing the "Sneh Milan Samaroh" organised by the Rajasthan Pragatisheel Manch at the Constitution Club in Jaipur, Dhankhar said the intensity and tone of political exchanges today were detrimental to the democratic and social fabric of the nation. "The environment and temperature of politics today are neither suitable for our democracy nor in tune with our ancient civilisational values. Political rivals are not enemies. Enemies may exist across borders, but there should be none within the country," said Dhankar. He called for greater decorum in legislative conduct, cautioning that public disenchantment with the conduct of lawmakers inside legislatures could erode faith in democratic institutions. "It is worrying to see what is happening in the temples of democracy. If the sanctity of these institutions is compromised, people will seek alternatives," he said, adding that former legislators could play a key role in improving the quality of public discourse. Dhankhar noted that constitutional authorities are often criticised, particularly when state and central governments belong to different political dispensations. Also, he said, the governor in such a state becomes an easy punching bag. "Now even the Vice President and the President are being brought into this space. In my view, this is not fair," he said, asserting that he operated under no pressure, nor did he exert pressure. The Vice President also said that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also remains impartial. "He cannot be pressured. I have worked closely with him," he added. Stressing the importance of healthy opposition, Dhankhar said the Opposition is a vital part of democracy and not an adversary. He advocated for open expression and dialogue. "Expression is the soul of democracy. But when expression becomes repressive, intolerant or dismissive of opposing views, it loses its meaning. Constructive debate is essential. Listening to others gives strength to one's own views," he said. Speaking on the occasion, governor Haribhau Bagade said that the former CM had earlier claimed that the Vice President and governors work under pressure. "But we do not work under anyone's pressure. There is no pressure on us, and we are not the kind to be influenced by pressure. The only pressure we acknowledge is that of the Constitution - nothing else." "We do not act under anyone's influence, though history does have examples of people succumbing to pressure. The creation of PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), for instance, happened under the pressure of Lord Mountbatten, and we've been suffering its consequences ever since," he added....