'Cynical approach to tar my reputation': Army Chief strikes back on leaked letter

NDTV Correspondent, Updated: March 29, 2012 15:39 IST

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/cynical-approach-to-tar-my-reputation-army-chief-strikes-back-on-leaked-letter-191312&cp

New Delhi:  The Army Chief today forcefully refuted allegations that he is responsible for leaking his letter to the Prime Minister, warning that India's security is at risk because the Army's equipment is obsolete. "This is an outrage! Official communication with the PM, RM (Raksha Mantri) or anybody for that matter with the COAS (Chief of Army Staff) is privileged information. The leaking of the letter should be treated as high treason. This cynical approach to tar my reputation has to stop. The source of the leak has to be found and dealt with ruthlessly," said the Army Chief today via a mailed statement.

A few hours later, Defence Minister AK Antony said at an official function that "All three chiefs (of the armed forces) enjoy the government's confidence." The minister's statement comes amid speculation that General Singh is on the verge of being dismissed.  Some politicians like Lalu Prasad Yadav demanded as much yesterday. Mr Antony has not suggested who he believes is behind the leak, which he described today as "anti-national...it only helps our enemies." He also said that the Intelligence Bureau has been asked to locate the mole. "We can't spare those people. Strongest action will be taken under Indian law," Mr Antony said.

Support for the Army Chief came today from former navy chief Admiral Laxminarayan Ramdas. He said: "Only one man benefits from the leak of the Army Chief's letter to the PM - the Raksha Mantri as it diverts attention from the bribe issue. MoD (Ministry of Defence), known for its selective leaks, has to draw a line somewhere. This is the worst possible cynicism that they can adopt. Besides, no man in uniform, let alone VK Singh, would ever do such a thing."

The Admiral is referring to the first of three storms generated by the Army Chief this week.

 

1.        On Monday, he disclosed that six months after he took office in 2010, he had been offered a bribe of 14 crores to sanction the purchase of "sub-standard" trucks. The Defence Minister found himself in the awkward position of explaining why he had not acted on the chief's information. Mr Antony said the General had not submitted a written complaint to him. He also said that though he asked the General to take some action, the chief refused.

2.         With less than three months to go before he retires, the Army Chief has this week alone generated three huge controversies, guaranteeing that his vertiginous relationship with the government has hit an unprecedented low.

 

First, there was the disclosure of the offer of a bribe.

Second, Then came the leak of the letter to the PM.

Third , the Army Chief further aggravated the government by forwarding a letter to the CBI asking for an inquiry against a serving general, who is second in line to replace him.

The letter General Singh has forwarded was sent to him by an MP from Bengal 10 months ago. Ambika Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress has reportedly accused Lt General Dalbir Singh Suhag of corruption. Sources say the government believes that the chief has breached protocol by approaching the CBI directly for an inquiry. The Defence Ministry also believes that the Army Chief is bent on embarrassing the government in his last few months in office, and therefore he decided to forward the letter against Lt General Suhag to the CBI this week, when his battle with the Defence Ministry is raging.

Speaking on the issue, the Defence Minister today said, "Our policy is zero tolerance for corruption. In the process of procurement, if we receive complaints and it is established - we will not hesitate to cancel contracts at any stage. As per integrity pact, if any malpractice is found, there is provision for strict action to protect money and interests. No one will be spared, I assure you."

The differences between the Army and the government are now part of the imagery on display for President Hu Jintao of China who is in Delhi to attend the BRICS summit (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).