Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat today criticized those who are promoting the anti-CAA riots in parts of the country. His comments come in the wake of reports of violence created by those ranged against the new citizenship law.

"Leaders are not those who lead people in the wrong direction. As we are witnessing in a large number of universities and colleges, the way they are leading masses and crowds to carry out arson and violence in cities and towns. This is not leadership (sic)," the Army Chief said today.

His remarks have come to be condemned roundly, as Army men are not supposed to make political comments. Social media influencer Saket Gokhale tweeted out, "Never before have we had a CoAS as openly politicized as this one (not even VK Singh). When the Army Chief and prospective Chief Of Defense Staff starts commenting so blatantly on civilian issues, it bodes very dangerously for democracy. His political ambitions need curbing."

Raju Parulekar, a writer, tweeted out, "Mr. Rawat, please resign and join the BJP. The Indian army is an apolitical organisation. You have nothing to do with civilian protests till you are an army chief."