A group of decorated army veterans, retired officers, and civil society members have petitioned President Droupadi Murmu to take immediate steps to prevent derogatory political statements against the Indian defence forces. The plea follows controversial remarks made by two Madhya Pradesh BJP ministers in the aftermath of the recent India-Pakistan conflict that erupted after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Among the signatories are former Navy chief Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat and electoral reforms activist Jagdeep Chhokar, along with other senior ex-servicemen and concerned citizens. In a joint statement, they expressed “distress and anguish” over the remarks, which they believe denigrate the professionalism and sacrifice of India’s armed forces.
The veterans referred specifically to a statement by Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah, who controversially commented on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the official defence spokesperson, implying that sending a woman officer into the conflict was symbolic retribution. Shah’s statement drew criticism for its gendered and insensitive tone.
Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda made remarks during a public address that some interpreted as suggesting the Indian Army bows before the Prime Minister. Although Devda later claimed his words were misinterpreted, the statement from the veterans noted that such rhetoric risks politicizing the armed forces.
The statement also cited a 2019 comment by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who had referred to the Army as “Modiji ki sena,” a phrase that had previously attracted condemnation for politicizing the military.
Highlighting the restrictive conduct rules that prevent serving defence personnel from publicly defending themselves, the signatories warned that such unchecked political commentary could demoralize the forces and threaten national security.
In their appeal to the President, who is the Supreme Commander of The Armed Forces, they urged her to issue directives ensuring that no such statements are made in the future. The letter emphasized the need to uphold the dignity and apolitical nature of the military in the interest of national unity and security.
