Congress again attacks Modi govt over appointment of army chief

NEW DELHI: Congress today kept up its attack on the Modi government over the appointment of the new Army chief accusing it of "de-capacitating" integrity of institutions and also "dishonouring" the established traditions and practices

"De-capacitating integrity of institutions as also dishonouring the established traditions and practices have become the new norm of Modi Government whether it is appointment of Chief of NIA or whether it is superseding Generals of Indian Army", party's chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala told reporters.

At the same time, he made it clear that the Congress does not question the integrity or competence or capability of the new Army Chief General Bipin Rawat.


He said the important issue is that the country by and large, has followed a tradition.

"There is a tradition, there is a practice, there is a rule and there is an inherent practice that has been followed for years together. Unless and until there are serious allegations of either integrity or incompetence, you do not violate the rule of seniority", he said.

The appointment of the new army chief has been mired in a political controversy with Congress and certain other opposition parties questioning the Prime Minister for superseding two senior officers and asking him spell out the "compelling reasons" for it.