A major political row erupted on Tuesday after Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury alleged in Parliament that senior Army officers were being “forced to speak in support of the government.” The remark triggered sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused her of undermining the dignity of the armed forces and demanded a public apology.
During the ongoing Winter Session, Chowdhury — referring to herself as an “Army daughter” — said it was “dangerous” that military leaders were appearing before the media to express support for the government, calling it an unprecedented practice.
BJP Condemns Remarks as ‘Divisive’
BJP national spokesperson C R Kesavan slammed Chowdhury’s claim, calling it “deeply divisive, malicious and an assault on the honour of the Indian Army.”
He alleged that the Congress has a long-standing “Sena Virodhi mentality,” recalling controversies where Congress leaders questioned surgical strikes, Balakot air strikes, or made derogatory remarks about top military commanders.
Kesavan said Chowdhury’s comments were part of a pattern of belittling the armed forces for political gains.
Chowdhury Issues Clarification
Amid rising criticism, Renuka Chowdhury later issued a clarification, saying her words had been misinterpreted.
“I never said someone is pressurising Army officers,” she said. “I only meant that the Army should not be pushed into media spaces. They are our pride, they sacrifice for the nation. No one should or can pressurise the Army.”
She urged people not to politicise her remarks and called for respect for the forces.
Recent Dog Incident Adds to Controversy
The controversy came just a day after another incident involving Chowdhury, who brought a stray dog into Parliament claiming she had rescued it from an accident site.
The act drew criticism, but she defended herself, saying the animal was harmless and had been sent home safely.
Responding to critics, she remarked, “The ones who bite are inside Parliament, not the dogs.”
BJP Demands Apology; Congress Silent
With the BJP pressing for a formal apology over her comments on the Army, the Congress has not yet issued an official response.
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