BJP demands apology after Congressman says army is under pressure to speak on behalf of government

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury on Tuesday sparked yet another controversy during the ongoing winter session of Parliament by alleging that senior officers of the Indian Army are being ‘pressured to speak in support of the government’. Her comments immediately drew criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which demanded a public apology.

Chowdhury, who described herself as “an army daughter,” said: “This is the most terrible thing. As an army daughter, I can say that army leaders are now being forced to come out and talk to the media, which has never happened before. They are forced to say that we support our government. This is the most dangerous and should be looked at first.”

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BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan condemned the comments, calling them “deeply divisive and malicious” and an “attack” on the dignity of the Indian armed forces. He accused the Congress party of having a ‘Sena Virodhi mentality’ and recalled previous instances where Congress leaders have allegedly insulted the military, including derogatory remarks about the armed forces chief.

Kesavan also cited past controversies, including repeated doubts over the credibility of military operations such as surgical strikes and the Balakot airstrikes, and Rahul Gandhi’s reference to the army as ‘pitaai’, a term the court found unacceptable.

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Reacting to the backlash, Chowdhury later clarified, “I have never said that anyone has put pressure on the army officers. I am saying that the army should never appear before the media. They are our pride. They are sacrificing themselves for the country. The army is the backbone of our country. Do not play with these sentiments. Please respect them, salute them and ensure that we live honestly. No one should do that, and no one can put pressure on the army. The statements doing the rounds in the media are not correct.”

PREVIOUS CONTROVERSY IN PARLIAMENT

The controversy followed a separate incident the day before, when Chowdhury brought a stray dog ​​into Parliament and claimed that she had rescued it after a road accident. She was criticized but defended her actions, saying she sent the dog home safely and questioned the focus around the incident.

Responding to those who criticized her, she said, “They don’t like animals? Waah, Sarkar! If a stupid animal walks into a vehicle, why make such a fuss? Has anyone seen a dog that bites? Those who bite are in Parliament, not the dogs.”

As of now, the BJP has demanded a public apology from Chowdhury for her comments on the army. The congressional leadership has not yet formally responded to the demand.

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