New Delhi: Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury has stoked a major controversy by claiming that the Army is under pressure to speak in support of the central government. Calling it the most “frightening situation”, Chowdhury made serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party, triggering a sharp war of words that did not go down well with the ruling party.
BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan termed the comments “deeply divisive and malicious” and said they “demean the dignity of the armed forces”.
What Renuka Chowdhury Said
Speaking to the news agency IANS outside Parliament, Chowdhury said, “…The most frightening situation is that, for the first time, Army leaders are coming out and saying that they are being pressured to speak in support of the government…”
Her remarks quickly drew criticism from the BJP, which accused her of politicising the armed forces.
BJP Slams ‘Reprehensible’ Statement
Condemning Chowdhury’s “shocking” statement, Kesavan said the remarks were among the “most reprehensible” and accused the Congress of having a long history of what he described as a “sena virodhi” (anti-military) mindset.
“Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party with their sena virodhi mentality have been serial offenders when it comes to abusing our armed forces. In the past, Congress leaders have humiliated the Chief of Armed Forces with pejoratives like ‘Sadak Ka Goonda’,” Kesavan said in an interview with NDTV.
Congress Accused of Questioning Military Operations
Kesavan further accused the Congress of being “unpatriotic” and repeatedly questioning the credibility of major military actions, including surgical strikes, Balakot air strikes and Operation Sindoor.
“Rahul Gandhi was even reprimanded by the court for insulting the Indian armed forces when he defamed the Army using the word ‘pitaai’ (thrashing),” he added.
Stressing that national interest comes first for the armed forces, Kesavan demanded an immediate apology from Chowdhury for what he called her “repulsive remarks” that politicise the selfless sacrifice and valour of military personnel.
He also said that if the Congress leadership had any “shame”, it would take action against Chowdhury, but added that Rahul Gandhi shares the same mentality.
“You cannot expect any better from the Congress party,” he said.