Political Differences Must Not Obstruct National Interest, Says VP Radhakrishnan

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Thursday called for stronger cooperation between the Centre and states, stressing that national interest and public welfare should take precedence over political differences.

Addressing a national conference on Co-operative Federalism and Law Reforms: National and State Perspectives in New Delhi, Radhakrishnan said the spirit of “Team India” required consultation, coordination and shared responsibility among governments.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also attended the event organised by the Law Commission. Radhakrishnan, who also chairs the Rajya Sabha, said political differences were natural in a democracy but should not hinder collective efforts to serve the larger interests of the nation and its people.

Describing India as more than a geographical union of states, he called it a constitutional partnership of diverse languages, cultures, traditions and aspirations. The Vice President said the country's strength lay in its unity amid diversity, with different communities and institutions sharing a common constitutional framework.

“Our languages, traditions, cultures, institutions, and lived realities reflect the extraordinary diversity of our nation. Yet, the rule of law and our shared pursuit of justice unite us under a common constitutional vision,” he said. His remarks highlighted the importance of constructive engagement between different levels of government in addressing governance challenges and pursuing reforms that benefit citizens.

Cooperative federalism emphasises collaboration between the Centre and states while respecting their respective constitutional responsibilities. Effective coordination can help build consensus on policy decisions and improve the implementation of public programmes.

The conference brought together national and state perspectives on federal cooperation and legal reforms, focusing on the role of institutional engagement in strengthening governance. Radhakrishnan's message underscored the importance of dialogue and a shared commitment to constitutional principles in ensuring that political disagreements do not come at the cost of public welfare.