Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad has opined that it would be better if General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff, doesn’t get himself involved in (the world of) politics.

Rawat had stirred up a controversy (might be unintentional, though) while speaking at a recently held seminar in New Delhi when he said that Bangladeshi immigrants were infiltrating into Indian territory in large numbers. “These infiltrators are apparently aided by Pakistan. Many political parties find rapid growth due to the support of such immigrants,” Rawat had said.

Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad took strong exception to the General’s remarks while addressing newsmen in Guwahati yesterday. “There are a few countries in the world where the military gets involved in politics but this is not the case in our country. In fact, it is indeed a matter of pride for us that our military has always remained apolitical in nature.

“Military has remained impartial ever since the country attained Independence from the British more than 71 years back. We hope it continues to remain so as we have huge regards and respects for the Army which has been ensuring the country’s security. Thus, it would be better if the Army doesn’t bother about things such as which political party grows fast and where from it gets its support,” Azad concluded.