'Army leaders being forced to speak for govt': Cong MP's remarks spark uproar
New Delhi, Dec 2
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury sparked a major political row on Tuesday as she alleged that the Armed Forces are being forced to speak for the Central government, and this is the most pressing matter of today's times.
Her startling allegations triggered a quick retort from the BJP, which accused her of demeaning and insulting the bravehearts and also demanded an apology.
Congress Rajya Sabha member Renuka Chowdhury, speaking to IANS inside the Parliament complex, said, "The most frightening situation today is that, for the first time, Army leaders are coming out in the media to defend the government, and they say that they are being pressured to speak for the government. They are being harassed and forced to become the government's mouthpiece."
"This must be investigated," she demanded, adding that she was herself a daughter of Army veterans.
Her remarks have kicked up a major political controversy, with the BJP taking strong exception to her "bizarre and frivolous" remarks, and also demanding that she tender an apology for insulting the Forces
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala called out Congress' history of demeaning the valour of the Armed Forces and recalled multiple instances of Congress leaders making unsavoury remarks against the Army, and also doubted operations like Surgical and Balakot strikes.
"It was Renuka Chowdhury and her Congress party, who raised questions over the Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, refusing to acknowledge and applaud our forces for teaching our enemies a lesson," he said.
He said that there are multiple instances when Congress leaders insulted the Armed Forces, and are at it again by claiming that they are being pressured and harassed.
A day ago, Renuka Chowdhury hit the headlines as she brought her pet dog to the Parliament complex and allegedly took potshots at the Parliamentarians.
When questioned by scribes on whether bringing a dog was a violation of the parliamentary protocol, she said that the dog posed no threat and it was merely accompanying her.
"Those who bite, sit inside the Parliament," she reportedly said, triggering strong backlash from the BJP.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Respectfully, the timing and context of these remarks seem off. Bringing a dog to Parliament and making cryptic comments one day, then making such a grave charge the next? It weakens the credibility of the concern.
Our soldiers are the pride of the nation. They should never be dragged into political battles by anyone. Whether it's Congress or BJP, using the Army for point-scoring is shameful. Jai Hind!
As a citizen, I want to believe our institutions are strong. But if senior officers are feeling pressured, it's a red flag. The government should address the substance, not just attack the messenger.
The BJP's response is typical – immediately playing the "insult to forces" card. Can we not have a discussion about civil-military relations without it being termed anti-national? Healthy democracy needs these debates.
Frankly, this looks like another Parliament distraction. So many real issues – inflation, jobs – and we're talking about dogs and alleged pressure on generals? Our priorities as a nation seem misplaced.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.