Communication to the supreme commander (English version) Rakshak News 17 Apr 19
Communication to the supreme commander (English version) Rakshak News 17 Apr 19
Last week over 150 senior veterans had sent an open letter to the President, who is the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, and the election commission against politicisation of the military in the ongoing elections. I am a signatory to the letter and my name is mentioned at number 31 in the list of names of those who endorsed the letter. The letter was initially circulated by mail and it was voluntary for those who desired to endorse it.
The letter contains some recent examples of politicization, however, remains general claiming this is being done by all political parties. Comments by Yogi Adityanath terming the armed forces as ‘Modi ki Sena’ and Manoj Tewari wearing a combat dress is politicization. Some other recent examples of politicisation include adverse comments by Kejriwal, HD Kumaraswamy, Farooq Abdullah and Urmilla using the photograph of Wing Commander Abhinandan during her campaigning in Mumbai.
The armed forces of the nation have always been apolitical and that is essential to ensure continuation of democracy. It is the only apolitical force in the entire subcontinent. It is because of their apolitical and secular stance that they are the most respected and revered institution of the country. Despite any change in government, the service chiefs complete their tenure. Any chief appointed as a replacement for the existing chief retiring occupies his chair despite change of government in the interim period.
Apart from being apolitical and secular, they remain a professional force which has always sacrificed to ensure victory. This professionalism of the force is its inherent quality and has been so since Independence. This professionalism should not be politicized.
The armed forces swear allegiance to the constitution and have the President as their supreme commander. They are responsible to the nation and serve diligently and faithfully whichever government or political party is in power. Dragging them into the political battle or seeking votes on their professionalism and performance goes against their apolitical stance and is also against the Moral Code of Conduct in elections. The Election Commission had compelled all political parties to remove posters which included Abhinandan and the Pulwama martyrs at the commencement of electioneering. While this had been done, verbal politicization has continued.
It is ideal for the BJP to display its strong stance against terrorism emanating from across the border and its decision to launch a collection of surgical strikes against terrorist camps in both Pakistan and Myanmar. After all it took a decision which no government in India considered for over four decades. This itself is remarkable and deserves credit and applause.
The conduct of the strikes by the armed forces is an indicator of their own professionalism and capability. In this the government has had no role. They had been tasked and they performed. The armed forces have acted with similar professionalism despite any government being in power, whether it be 1965, 71, Nathu La or Kargil. Hence, claiming credit for their professionalism is wrong and should be avoided. Mixing both, decision making and the professionalism of the military on a single page is politicization.
It is this action of political parties which has hurt the sentiments of veterans. The serving soldier, who performs equally well under any government, does not have a public voice. There are multiple restrictions on him to maintain the apolitical stance of the military. It is only the veteran community, which is always in contact with the serving, which can be their voice. It is this voice which has expressed concerns.
A military, involved in national politics, does not present a picture of a true democracy. Soldiers are at liberty to vote and would do so in favour of their individual political beliefs. Exploiting their professionalism for seeking votes does not display maturity at the national level. Simultaneously, seeking to be voted back to power for having displayed the ability to take strong decisions and act in favour of the nation deserves credit, which should be claimed and nationally acknowledged. I hope political parties understand the difference between decision making and professionalism and behave maturely.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army