New Delhi | November 5, 2025:
A fierce political row erupted on Tuesday after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of dragging the Indian Army into political discourse. The controversy stems from Gandhi’s remarks during a Bihar campaign rally, where he alleged that “10% of Indians control the Army, bureaucracy, and big corporations.”
Singh strongly countered the claim, saying, “Our armed forces follow only one religion — Sainya Dharma, the sacred duty to protect the nation.” He warned that using the Army for political arguments could “damage the morale of soldiers and weaken the unity that keeps India strong.”
The BJP swiftly backed Singh’s statement, condemning Gandhi for what it called “an attempt to politicise national institutions.” Congress leaders, however, defended their party chief, clarifying that his comments referred to economic and institutional inequality, not the Army itself.
The exchange has come just as Bihar heads into its first phase of assembly elections on November 6, making the issue a new flashpoint in an already heated campaign. Analysts say the confrontation reflects how national security and institutional integrity have become central talking points in India’s political contests.
While Rajnath Singh urged all parties to “respect the sanctity of national institutions,” the Congress accused the ruling party of “twisting Gandhi’s words for political mileage.” As both sides continue their campaign trail, the debate underscores the growing tension between patriotism and politics in the national discourse.
