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‘Stop parties from using armed forces for political agendas’: 156 veterans write to President

Among the signatories are three former Army chiefs, four former Navy chiefs and former Air Force chief.

‘Stop parties from using armed forces for political agendas’: 156 veterans write to President

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Over 150 armed forces veterans have written to President Ram Nath Kovind complaining about the manner in which politicians have been using defence personnel and their achievements for campaigning for the General Elections.

The letter from 156 veterans was sent to the President on Thursday, the day the national elections began.

The letter urged President Ram Nath Kovind “to take all necessary steps to urgently direct all political parties that they must forthwith desist from using the military, military uniforms or symbols, and any actions by military formations or personnel, for political purposes or to further their political agendas.”

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They further appealed to President Kovind to ensure that the secular and apolitical character of the Armed Forces is preserved.

In the letter, the veterans referred to the “unusual and completely unacceptable practice of political leaders taking credit for military operations like cross-border strikes, and even going so far as to claim the Armed Forces to be“Modi ji ki Sena”.

“With the General elections round the corner, and given the prevailing environment where political parties and candidates seem to be acting in total disregard of the declaration of the ‘model code of conduct’, we fear that such incidents may only increase as polling day draws near,” the letter further read.

Among the signatories are three former Army chiefs, four former Navy chiefs and former Air Force chief.

This comes after UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s “Modiji ki sena” remark at a rally in Ghaziabad.

Former Navy chief Admiral L Ramdas (retired) had earlier approached the Election Commission against Adityanath for referring to the Army as “Modi’s army”.

Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a rally in Maharashtra’s Latur had reportedly asked first-time voters to dedicate their votes to those who carried out the air strike in Balakot and the slain jawans of Pulwama terror attack.

The Election Commission had on March 9 advisedbparties to desist from indulging in any political propaganda involving activities of defence forces.

Reacting to the letter, Congress tweeted, “(Narendra) Modi may try to use soldiers for votes, but it’s clear that soldiers stand with India and not the BJP.”

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