BJP hints at instability between government and army

New Delhi, Mar 29 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that there is a definite lack of communication between the Central Government and the Army in the light of the controversial claims by Army Chief General V. K. Singh of being offered a bribe of 14-crore to clear the purchase of 600 sub-standard vehicles.

"It appears very evident that though in our democracy the armed forces are under overall civilian control and that ought to be but the equilibrium certainly remains a little disturbed. This requires political management of statecraft," said BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Prasad further said the sanctity of the Indian Army ought to be maintained under all circumstances.

"The BJP believes that the significance and the respect of the institution of armed forces ought to be properly maintained in which all the stakeholders have to play a very crucial role," he added.

Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said this entire controversy needs sensitive treatment and not a debate in public forum.

"This is a very sensitive issue as it directly relates to the country's safety concerns. It is not apt to comment on the issue unnecessarily or discuss an aspect that is still unclear in public domain," said Alvi.

Recently, a letter written by General Singh to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was leaked to the media.

Media reports said the March 12 letter warned the central government leadership about the inadequacy in the Indian armed forces owing to a shortage of ammunition and an obsolete arsenal of weapons, posing a threat to national security.

General Singh said that he had informed Defence Minister A.K Antony about the bribe incident. However, Antony had told Parliament that General Singh had not lodged a formal complaint. (ANI)