Observing that the Army was an "apolitical" organisation, Army Chief General V K Singh on Friday said the force was "studying" the statement made by a major-general on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
"The Army is absolutely apolitical. I don't know what statement has been made. We are studying it as to what he has said. I can only say one thing, that there is no politicization in the Army," he told reporters in New Delhi.
Division Commander Major General I S Singha had said at a recent function in Ahmedabad that "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." Modi was present at the function.
On whether the major-general's statement was appropriate, the Army chief said, "I don't know in what context and how he has said anything. Just be rest assured, that there is no politicisation in the Army."
Defence Minister A K Antony also described the armed forces as "apolitical" but said he was yet to see a report about the officer's statement.
"I am yet to get a report about what happened there. So cannot comment on the basis of media report. One good tradition of the armed forces-compared to many others, is apolitical," he said.
"That tradition, I am sure, our armed forces will continue. They are apolitical and their task is to protect national security. They have to be vigilant round-the-clock, and that they are doing," the defence minister said.
