Rajnath Singh Warns Rahul Gandhi: Army Serves Only Nation, Not Caste Politics

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday hit back sharply at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent comments suggesting that India’s armed forces are under the control of “10 per cent of the population,” referring to the so-called upper castes. Addressing an election rally in Bihar, Singh accused Gandhi of attempting to politicise and divide the Indian Army along caste and religious lines. “The Army has no religion or caste. Our soldiers follow only one dharma – sainya dharma,” the minister said, asserting that the military’s integrity and unity must remain above politics.

Rahul Gandhi, who made the controversial remark while campaigning in Bihar’s Aurangabad, alleged that 90 per cent of India’s population — comprising backward classes, Dalits, tribal groups, and minorities — are underrepresented in key national institutions including the corporate sector, judiciary, and the armed forces. “Only 10 per cent of the country’s population gets these opportunities; even the Army is under their control,” he said, linking the statement to his broader pitch for a caste census and greater representation across government institutions.

Rajnath Singh, however, condemned Gandhi’s remarks, accusing him of trying to sow discord within one of the country’s most respected and unifying institutions. “This politics of caste, sect, and religion has harmed the country deeply. Don’t drag our Army into this. Soldiers raise India’s head high with their courage and sacrifice, not caste identity,” Singh asserted, adding that while the BJP supports reservations for the economically disadvantaged, the principle cannot apply to the armed forces, where merit, discipline, and national duty reign supreme.

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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also joined the criticism, calling Gandhi’s words “a disgrace to the nation.” She said, “These parties have thrived on caste politics, and now they are attempting to involve the Army. It is shameful.” Taking a jibe at Gandhi’s frequent foreign visits, Gupta remarked, “Those who go abroad and question India’s security and Army integrity should introspect before commenting.”

This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the military have triggered controversy. In 2024, he was reprimanded by the Supreme Court after alleging that Chinese troops had occupied 2,000 sq km of Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector. The court had strongly admonished him for making unverified claims that undermined national security. The latest episode adds yet another political flashpoint, with the ruling BJP using Gandhi’s statement to rally nationalist sentiment ahead of the polls.

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