Inequality threat to democracy: Varun Gandhi

While criticising cronyism in the country, BJP leader Varun Gandhi did not spare himself as he said he wouldn’t have become a public figure if he was not born in a well-known family.

Delivering a guest lecture on ‘The Road to Justice: Opportunities and Impediments’, at the National Law School University here on Thursday, the Sultanpur MP said inequality was a major threat to the proper functioning of democracy.

“Opportunities in the mainstream fields like politics, films, sports or any other places are always reserved for the children of those who hold the top position. The door is always closed for the talents. If I was not from a well-known family, I wouldn’t have become the party’s general secretary at the age of 29,” he said.

In his hour-long speech, Varun highlighted the inequality in education and healthcare that was affecting the maximum number of people in getting their basic rights.

Only people with money can get the quality education and health facilities in our country, Gandhi said.

"Seventy-five per cent of the health infrastructure is in urban areas where only 27% of the total population resides. This shows the manner in which our rural population is neglected,” he said.

To a query on his absence in the ongoing parliament session, Gandhi he was bothered about the next generation rather than the next election.

"Parliament is a sanctum sanctorum where many welfare laws are passed. I know I have missed the session today. But I don’t regret as I have compensated my absence in the best way by addressing the young generation here," he said.

"I am not focused on the next election like other politicians. My focus and concern is the next generation,” Gandhi added.