‘Modi ki sena’: Army veterans lash out against UP CM

Ludhiana: Criticising the statement of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath where he referred to Indian Army as ‘Modi ji ki sena’ during a poll rally, ex-servicemen said the BJP government and their leaders are politicizing the Army for their political gains.
On Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Darshan Dhillon (retd) of Rajguru Nagar lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, demanding action against Yogi.

In his complaint, Lt Col Dhillon has said the UP chief minister referred to India Army as ‘Modi ji ki sena’, which is violation of election code. “Indian Army is not associated with any person and belongs to the nation. Indian Army did not become ‘Indira ki army’ after 1971 war or become ‘Vajpayee ki Army’ after Kargil war, nor it can become ‘Modi ki army’ after Balakot. It was Indian Army and will remain India Army.”

Lt Col Dhillon said, “Using Army for political gains is shameful. I strongly condemn it and seek action.”

Dhillon had served the Army in bomb defusing unit. During his service, he had been posted in North East and Jammu & Kashmir. In 2002 Kaluchak attack in J&K, his team was a part of post-attack operation.

Captain V K Syal (retd) of Model Town said, “The CM of UP who is a representative of BJP has given a new name to India Army which is absolutely wrong. The ruling party has been using Armed Forces (Indian Army and Air Force) for their political gains. So, the Election Commission should take note of it and debar leaders from all political activities, who is making such irresponsible statements for their political gains.”

Capt Syal said, “After Balakot surgical strike, neither the defence minister nor Prime Minister made a statement regarding causality figures. Only BJP president Amit Shah gave a statement over it, but without any capacity. It was wrong on the part of ruling party and now they are politicizing it.”

Col Sanjeev Puri (retd), who had fought Kargil war, said, “Leaders should glorify the Army that it has done a good job, but should never politicize it. India Army does not belong to any political party.”