Patna (Bihar) [India], November 5 : Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Wednesday criticiSed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks about the Indian Army, calling them "shameful" and "unfortunate".
Gandhi had claimed that only 10% of India's population, referring to the upper castes, controls the Army. Paswan argued that such comments are an attempt to drag the armed forces into caste politics and insult the institution
Paswan emphasised that the Army should not be viewed through the lens of caste or religion, as it is an institution that serves the nation as a whole. He stated that dividing the Army on the basis of caste is not good and such remarks "insult the Army".
Speaking to reporters in Patna, the Union Minister said, "The army is a subject that should not be politicised. He has insulted the soldiers. This is not only shameful but also unfortunate. If this is LoP's thinking, who is viewing our army in terms of caste and religion, what could be more unfortunate than this."
Paswan added that if Rahul Gandhi was truly concerned about the issue, he should reflect on the Congress party's long tenure in power.
"If you are so concerned, then tell me who was in power in this country for the longest time? You and your family members. If you wanted to divide the army in the name of caste, you could have done it then," he said.
Taking a swipe at the opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance, Paswan further said, "Agar yeh (RJD and allies) galti se bhi aa gaye toh Bihar mein aatank macha denge," implying that the return of the Rashtriya Janata Dal and its allies to power would lead to chaos in Bihar.
This comes after Rahul Gandhi's comments on the Indian Army sparked controversy in Bihar's Kutumba ahead of the Assembly elections.
Speaking at an election campaign rally in Kutumba on Tuesday, the last day of campaigning for the first phase of voting in the assembly election, Gandhi alleged that the Indian Army is "under the control of 10% of the country's population," apparently referring to the dominance of upper castes in the institution.
He highlighted the issue of economic inequality in India, stating that despite 90% of the population belonging to marginalised communities, including Dalits, Mahadalits, backward classes, and minorities, they are underrepresented in corporate India, bureaucracy, judiciary, and other key institutions.
Addressing a public gathering in Kutumba, Rahul Gandhi said, "All the bank's money goes to them, they get all the jobs, and they even dominate most positions in bureaucracy. They control everything. Look at the judiciary. They handle everything there, too. They even have control over the army. And you will not find 90% of the population anywhere."
Gandhi noted that the 500 largest companies in India, including Adani and Ambani, are predominantly owned by individuals from a small elite group, comprising only 10% of the population. He alleged that this group controls a disproportionate amount of wealth, bank loans, and influential positions in various sectors.
"In this country, 90% belong to Dalit, Mahadalit, backward, extremely backward, tribal, and minority groups. But if you look at the 500 biggest companies in corporate India, such as Adani and Ambani, you will not find backward, extremely backward, Dalit, Mahadalit, minority, or tribal individuals there. All of them come from 10% of the population," Gandhi said.
The Congress leader warned that if the majority of the population is excluded from the country's development, India would become a place where wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. Gandhi emphasised the need for inclusive growth and representation of marginalised communities in key institutions.