Congress MP Rahul Gandhi triggered a fresh controversy during a campaign rally in Kutumba, Bihar, after he claimed that “10% of the population controls the Army.” The statement quickly drew sharp reactions from political opponents, who accused him of undermining the integrity and unity of the armed forces.
Rahul Gandhi’s remark on Army composition sparks political row in Bihar
Speaking during his Bihar campaign, Gandhi was addressing issues of representation and social equality when he made the remark, suggesting that power and influence are concentrated within a limited section of society. However, his words were swiftly seized upon by rival parties, who called the comment “irresponsible” and “divisive.”
Several leaders from the BJP and JD(U) condemned the statement
Several leaders from the BJP and JD(U) condemned the statement, asserting that the Indian Army is an apolitical and professional institution that represents every community of the nation equally. They demanded clarification from the Congress leadership on Gandhi’s intent and accused him of “insulting the armed forces for political mileage.”
Meanwhile, Congress sources attempted to clarify that Gandhi’s remarks were being “distorted and taken out of context,” emphasizing that he was speaking about broader systemic inequalities rather than the Army itself.
The controversy has added a new dimension to the ongoing Bihar Assembly election campaign, where issues of representation, governance, and national security continue to dominate public debate.
