Army studying Maj-Gen's Narendra Modi praise

NEW DELHI: Holding that the Army was an avowedly apolitical organization, General V K Singh on Friday said the case of a serving major general lavishing praise on Gujarat chief minister was being examined to ascertain whether any impropriety had been committed.

"The Army is absolutely apolitical. I don't know what statement was made. We are studying it as to what he said. I can only say one thing that there is no politicization in the Army," Singh said.

Earlier this week, while welcoming the Gujarat CM at a defence function in Ahmedabad, Golden Katar Division commander Major General I S Singha had praised Modi for having all the qualities of a successful Army commander who set targets and then went all out to achieve them in time.

Asked whether Singha's statement was appropriate, the Army chief said, "I don't know in what context and what he said. Just be rest assured that there is no politicization in the Army."

Defence minister A K Antony, on his part, also described the armed forces as "apolitical" but said he was yet to get a report on the statement made by the major general.

"I cannot comment on the basis of media reports. One good tradition of the armed forces, compared to many others, is that they are apolitical. I am sure our armed forces will continue with that tradition," said Antony.

Gen praises Gujarat CM Modi, raises eyebrows at Army HQ

AHMEDABAD/NEW DELHI: In a statement which sent ripples across the armed forces, a serving major general on Monday lavished praise on Gujarat chief minister to him qualities of a top-notch army commander who sets targets and then goes all out to achieve them in time.

Maj-Gen IS Singha, who as general officer commanding of the Golden Katar Division in Ahmedabad is the seniormost Army officer in Gujarat, was speaking at the launch of the three-day 'Know Your Army' exhibition which was inaugurated by Modi at the police stadium ground.

"He (Modi) works like we in the Army do. He sets a deadline for completion of projects and then ensures that targets are achieved in time. These are qualities of a successful Army commander," said Maj-Gen Singha.

Praising Modi for his "vision of development for the state and the nation," Maj-Gen Singha also requested the CM to follow the example set by other states in providing land to the Army Welfare Housing Organization to help serving and retired military personnel. Modi, on his part, said his government would look into the request. He then went on to add that there was a need for the National Cadet Corps to impart naval training in schools and colleges in Gujarat's coastal areas, which would ensure that some youngsters opted to join the maritime force.

It is certainly unusual for a senior officer of the largely apolitical Indian armed forces to publicly praise political functionaries. Asked about this, a senior officer at the Army HQ at told TOI that an explanation had been sought from Maj-Gen Singha. "The statement has been made in his personal capacity. We are looking into it. If he indeed said so, its inappropriate. His comments have been sought," said the officer.

Another officer, however, said "too much was being read into a customary welcome speech" at the inauguration of a military function. "Maj-Gen Singha spoke in Hindi. It has been twisted out of context in its English translation," he said.

Narendra Modi has qualities of successful Army commander: GOC

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat chief minister has all the qualities of a successful Army commander, said General Officer Commanding (GOC) Major General I S Singha of the Golden Katar Division in Ahmedabad on Monday.

He was speaking at the inauguration of three-day 'Know Your Army' exhibition organised by the Golden Katar Division of the Army.

"Chief minister Modi has all the qualities of a successful Army commander. His programmes are aimed at development of both the state and the nation," Singha said.

"Like in the Army, he (Modi) keeps deadline for completion of work, and ensures that target is achieved by the set time," he added.

Singha praised Modi and his government for the developmental work in the state.

The Golden Katar GOC also sought land for ex-servicemen housing scheme. "I would like to request the chief minister to provide land to the Army for setting up housing welfare societies for the ex-servicemen in Ahmedabad. Such schemes are available in all other states," Singha said.