Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of using the name and stature of former Army chief General Manoj Naravane to make political mockery. She said the government and the country hold deep respect for General Naravane and rejected what she described as an attempt to drag a highly regarded military figure into partisan debate.
Speaking at a public interaction, Sitharaman said that General Naravane served the nation with distinction and professionalism, and that his reputation should not be used for political point-scoring. “We respect him,” she said, adding that invoking the authority and credibility of a former Army chief to ridicule or attack the government was inappropriate.
Defence of the armed forces’ dignity
Sitharaman stressed that India’s armed forces must remain above politics. According to her, military leaders command respect because of their service, discipline, and sacrifice, and political leaders should exercise restraint when referring to them in public discourse.
She accused Rahul Gandhi of deliberately using General Naravane’s name and influence to amplify criticism, saying such tactics undermine the dignity of the armed forces. “This is not about criticism of the government,” she said. “This is about respecting institutions and those who have served the nation.”
Political context
The remarks come amid ongoing political sparring between the ruling party and the opposition, particularly on issues related to national security, defence policy, and governance. Rahul Gandhi has frequently targeted the government on these fronts, often citing statements made by senior officials and former military leaders to support his arguments.
The ruling party, however, has repeatedly pushed back, arguing that opposition leaders selectively quote or frame such statements to suit political narratives.
Call for responsible debate
Sitharaman urged political leaders to maintain a higher standard of debate, especially when discussing matters connected to the military. She said criticism should focus on policies and decisions rather than involving individuals who served in uniform.
“The armed forces are respected across political lines,” she said. “Using their names to score points weakens that shared respect.”
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