'Derogatory' ministerial remarks against Forces: Retired officers, academics urge President to act

By A Representative 

In a strongly worded appeal addressed to the President of India, a group of senior retired defence officers, civil servants, academics and citizens have condemned recent statements made by Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda and Minister Vijay Shah, describing them as “derogatory and disrespectful” towards India’s Defence Forces.

The petition, dispatched via email and speed post, accuses the two ministers of making remarks that demean the institution of the Armed Forces and undermine the constitutional authority of the President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces under Article 53(2) of the Indian Constitution.

The controversy stems from Vijay Shah's comments following the recent India-Pakistan conflict triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack. Shah referred to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the Army’s spokesperson, in a manner that the petitioners said was “gender-insensitive, non-secular, and divisive,” insinuating communal overtones and mocking her role in the armed forces’ response.

Adding fuel to the fire, Deputy CM Jagdish Devda, during a public event in Jabalpur, stated that “the entire country bows at the Prime Minister’s feet” for the military’s retaliatory action, which the petitioners argue falsely implies that the Armed Forces operate under the Prime Minister’s personal command.

The letter draws parallels with a 2019 remark by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who referred to the Army as “Modiji ki Sena” (Modi’s Army), which had also attracted criticism but was met with silence from the government at the time.

Citing Article 53 of the Constitution, the petitioners reminded the President that the supreme command of the Defence Forces rests solely with her office and not with any elected leader or political party. They warned that such politicisation and disparagement of the Armed Forces could erode morale and weaken national security.

“We unequivocally condemn the statements made by the two Ministers,” the petition states, expressing concern that the Defence Forces, bound by strict discipline, cannot respond publicly to such attacks on their dignity.

Among the signatories is Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat, PVSM, AVSM (Retd), former Chief of Naval Staff, who was joined by Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), former Vice Chief of Army Staff, and Maj Gen S.G. Vombatkere, VSM (Retd), a well-known defence analyst. Rear Admiral Alan O’Leary (Retd), Col Alok Asthana (Retd), and Cmde Lokesh Batra (Retd), known for his work on RTI and transparency, also endorsed the letter.

Several prominent civil servants and academics also signed the appeal. These include Ms. Meena Gupta, IAS (Retd), former Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests; Shri G. Balagopal, IAS (Retd); Prof. Jagdeep Chhokar, former Dean of IIM Ahmedabad; Dr. Vinod Vyasulu, a noted economist; Dr. Rati Rao, a retired scientist and women's rights activist; and Rosamma Thomas, a senior journalist.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has already taken suo moto cognisance of Vijay Shah’s statement and directed the registration of a case, indicating judicial concern over the minister’s remarks.

The letter ends with a reaffirmation of solidarity with the Armed Forces and a respectful appeal to uphold their honour and constitutional sanctity.