Army chief Bipin Rawat's comments on CAA, NRC protests triggers row; Opposition attacks him

NEW DELHI: Army chief Bipin Rawat on Thursday criticised the arson and violence during protests against the new citizenship law, saying “leaders are not those who lead people in inappropriate directions”.

“Leadership is all about leading... Even amongst the crowd you find leaders emerge. But leaders are those who lead people in the right direction. Leaders are not those who lead people in inappropriate directions, as we are witnessing in a large number of universities and college students,” general Rawat said at an event in Delhi. “The way they are leading masses of crowds to carry out arson and violence in our cities and towns. This is not leadership.”

This was the first official comment on the citizenship law by Rawat, who retires on December 31. Violent protests have taken place following Parliament approving amendments to the citizenship law earlier this month. The violence has left several people injured and some dead, especially in Uttar Pradesh.


“What is so complex about leadership if it is all about leading. When you move forward, everybody follows. It is not that simple. It appears simple, but it is a complex phenomenon,” Rawat said.

The Army chief’s comment drew sharp reactions. “Leadership is knowing the limits of one’s office. It is about understanding the idea of civilian supremacy & preserving the integrity of the institution that you head,” AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi posted on Twitter.


Congress’ national media panelist, Shama Mohamed, said on Twitter: “One of the reasons India’s Army is highly respected around the world is because it is apolitical. Such political comments are unbecoming of an Army chief. The political neutrality of the Indian Army shouldn’t be compromised under any circumstances!”