NEW DELHI: Congressman Rahul Gandhi and his party companions left the permanent parliamentary defense commission on Wednesday claiming that panel chair Jual Oram did not allow him to speak during a discussion about the rank structure, uniforms, stars and insignia of the defense forces.
A war of words broke out when it emerged that Gandhi, who arrived after the meeting had started, said the panel was wasting time discussing ranks and uniforms when Indian soldiers they faced a crisis at the borders and the committee should focus on discussing strategy and ways to better equip soldiers stationed at the borders.
However, Gandhi was interrupted by Oram, who said that discussions would remain limited to the fixed agenda, which was to familiarize members about the rank structure, stars, and insignia of the armed forces.
Talking to TOI, Bjp MP and (retired) Lieutenant General DP Vats said: “In the previous meeting, which Rahul did not attend, it was decided that Members of Parliament should familiarize themselves with the ranks and uniforms, as it is sometimes very embarrassing to superior officers when a lieutenant general addresses lieutenant, and members also confuse other ranks “.
Vats said he also cited cases during the meeting in which some countries like the United States “simplified” their uniforms to facilitate identification. Gandhi, however, objected, saying that the Indian forces had their own history and tradition on the basis of which uniforms and ranks were decided. He added that any decision to change uniforms or ranks should be left to the heads of service alone.
“Politicians cannot have the right to decide on the uniforms or insignia of the armed forces,” he told the panel. A high-ranking deputy who did not want to be named added that discussions of ranks and defense insignia were not typically taken up by standing committees. He also said that at least two MPs from the ruling BJP apparently called for a simplification of Indian uniforms in line with practices elsewhere. With Gandhi and his colleagues Rajeev Satav and Rewant Reddy Demanding explanations from the committee as to why the committee did not discuss LAC’s situation with respect to China, Oram prevented them from speaking, and at that time, Congress withdrew.
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