'Marriage my lifelong challenge': VP Jagdeep Dhankhar's light hearted remark at UP Governor's book launch

Lucknow: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was seen in a light-hearted mood during the launch of a book on Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel's life on Thursday, drawing laughter from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and others present.

Speaking at the release of Governor Patel's biography titled "Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hain" (I Like Challenges), Dhankhar humorously referred to the book's title while pointing towards his wife, Sudesh Dhankhar.

He said, "Aapne (Governor Anandiben Patel) apni kitaab ka sheershak rakha hai 'Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hain'. 1 February 1979 ko maine chunauti se saat phere le liye. Saath jeevan jeene ka wada kar liya. Chunauti ke saath rehne ki mujhe aadat hai." (You've titled your book 'I Like Challenges'. On February 1, 1979, I took seven vows with a challenge. I promised to live together for life. I am used to living with the challenge.) He added with a smile, "Maine to khud chunauti ko sweekar kiya hai. Main chunauti ke saath rehta hoon. Har karyakram mein chunauti ko apne paas rakhta hoon." (I have accepted the challenge myself. I live with the challenge. I take it along to every event.) His remarks prompted loud laughter from Adityanath, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, Governor Anandiben Patel and others present.

Dhankhar also turned to the chief minister and quipped, "Kya main aapko yuva mukhyamantri keh sakta hoon? Aajkal to aapse zyada umr ke log bhi khud ko yuva kehte hain, to main samajhta hoon ki main aapko yuva mukhyamantri keh sakta hoon." (Can I call you a young chief minister? These days, even those older than you call themselves young, so, I believe, I can call you a young Chief Minister.) During her address, Governor Patel said the book is priced at Rs 500 and will not be distributed for free.

Proceeds will go towards educating underprivileged children, she said.