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New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday faced severe criticism over his statement that the Army was ‘under the control of 10 per cent of the country’s population’, with ruling parties calling it ‘extremely shameful’ and ‘extremely sad’.
Campaigning in Bihar’s Aurangabad on Tuesday, Gandhi said, “Only 10 per cent of the country’s population (ie ‘upper castes’) get opportunities in corporate sectors, bureaucracy and judiciary… even the army is under their control.”
Union Minister Chirag Paswan condemned the remarks, saying, “I think it is not only extremely shameful but also extremely sad. If the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha himself thinks this way and links our armed forces with caste, religion or community, then nothing can be more painful for democracy than this.”
BJP MLA C. Adinarayana Reddy also reacted, saying, “This is the worst statement given by Rahul Gandhi. No one can control the Army. The Army is powerful and independent. It is not controlled by anyone, not even Prime Minister Modi.”
JDU national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan said, “Now he has also raised questions on the morale of our army. At least he should have respected the armed forces. Our soldiers have always done a commendable job. Whenever someone makes inappropriate statements about the army, public reaction is inevitable.”
Union Minister Raj Bhushan Choudhary said, “It is very unfortunate that, as per his usual behaviour, he is creating divisions in the army and attempting to undermine the morale of the armed forces. Soldiers fight for the country and sacrifice their lives, and trying to divide them in this way is completely wrong.”
BJP leader Janak Chamar said, “When Rahul Gandhi is in India, he insults the people of India, and when he goes abroad, he insults the country. The people of the country know all this, and the game is over. The UPA is not getting any space anywhere. To get media attention, insulting the people and the country has become their habit.”
BJP leader Tarun Chugh also criticized the statement, saying, “Whatever he has said is a sign of mental bankruptcy. It is an insult to the identity and courage of the Indian Army. The country will never accept such a statement.”
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “These are the same parties that do caste-based politics and now they are dragging the Army into it. I want to say that those who can criticize the country abroad, those who can question the Indian Army, those who can compromise national security – such people should be ashamed.”
However, the Congress defended Rahul Gandhi, insisting that his comments were being misinterpreted and his sentiments “need to be understood”.
Congress leader V. Gurunadam defended Gandhi’s statement on the Indian Army, saying, “Some leaders want to twist his comments in a negative light. What Rahul Gandhi meant to say is that only 10 per cent of the people in the country are managing the army, the corporate sector and the judiciary. About 60 to 70 per cent of the people of India live near or below the poverty line. Whatever Rahul Gandhi has said is 100 per cent correct. This is a blow to the BJP leaders. It’s a common game – whenever elections come closer, they do this. There are continuous attacks on Rahul Gandhi to tarnish his image.
Congress leader Rajesh Thakur echoed the sentiment, saying, “His comments need to be understood. Many people are only engaged in politics. What he meant to say was that Dalits and backward communities have not progressed, and they need to be brought forward. What is wrong in what he has said? The Bharatiya Janata Party distorts everything. They cannot tolerate anyone speaking for Dalits, backward classes or minorities.”
Congress MP Imran Masood also supported Gandhi, saying, “Rahul Gandhi is absolutely right. He has presented real data. Who controls the country’s resources? Only 10 per cent of people have control over them. These 10 per cent, whoever they are, rule, while the remaining 90 per cent live in slavery.”
–IANS
JK/DPB