VK Singh, former Army Chief, makes formal entry into politics, joins BJP

NEW DELHI: Former Army Chief Gen V K Singh, who was engaged in a long-drawn battle with the government over his age issue, today joined BJP, saying it is the only "nationalist" party which he wants to see in power.

Gen Singh, who joined the BJP along with a number of other ex-servicemen in presence of party President Rajnath Singh, said the troops should support it so that a "stable, strong and nationalist" government is formed.

"I saw only BJP as nationalist party," he said while explaining the reason for joining the party.

"We, who have served on borders, should work with nationalist forces. So, we have decided to move with BJP to bring a government which is stable, strong and takes decisions in national interest, said the 63-year-old who retired in May 2012.

He expressed confidence that the enthusiasm of the servicemen will make BJP stronger.

Welcoming him into BJP, Rajnath Singh said if BJP comes to power, it will take good care of the armed forces.

He used the occasion to attack the UPA government, saying it has not looked after the armed forces well. In this context, he cited the recent mishaps involving the Navy.

The BJP chief also attacked the government over ceasefire violations by Pakistan, including beheading of two Indian soldiers, and intrusions by China.

Gen (retd) joined BJP months after he shared dais with its Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi at an ex-servicemen rally in Rewari in Haryana.

The BJP chief also attacked the government over 'one-rank, one-pension' decision, saying it came too late.

He said it was BJP veteran L K Advani who had first raised the demand and the UPA government had accepted it only at the time of the elections.

Rajnath Singh also said that the defence forced needed modernisation which was not being done.