Rajnath Singh Slams Rahul Gandhi: “Don’t Drag Army Into Politics”
Author: Trendy News | Date: November 6, 2025
Patna, Bihar — India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday issued a sharp warning to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, saying he should refrain from dragging the Indian Army into political debates. Singh’s remarks came in response to Gandhi’s comment during a campaign rally in Bihar that “10% of the country’s population controls the army, bureaucracy and judiciary.” :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Army Above Caste and Politics
Speaking at a rally in Banka district ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, Rajnath Singh asserted: “Our army soldiers have only one religion — Sainya Dharma. We do not want to discriminate within the Army based on caste, sect or religion.” :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} He further added that talking about caste within the Army was “against national interest.” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
What Triggered the Row?
The controversy arose when Rahul Gandhi, at a rally in Kutumba, claimed that despite 90% of India’s population belonging to marginalized communities (Dalits, backward classes, tribes, minorities), they were under-represented in institutions. He alleged that “10% control the army… you will not find 90% of the population anywhere.” :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Rajnath Singh accused Gandhi of making “baseless allegations” against constitutional institutions to cover up electoral setbacks, and strongly criticised what he described as attempts to politicise the armed forces. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Political & Electoral Context
This statement from Rajnath Singh comes at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance is campaigning in the poll-bound state of Bihar, and the opposition bloc is pushing issues of social equity and reservation. By positioning the Army as above caste politics, the defence minister appears to be reinforcing the institutional sanctity of the armed forces and cautioning against their use for political messaging. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Why It Matters
- It raises questions about the boundaries between politics and defence institutions in a democracy.
- It highlights the sensitivity of caste-related discourse when it intersects with national security and the military.
- It underscores the concerted effort by the government to maintain the perception of the Army as apolitical and above partisan issues.
- It may influence voter perceptions in Bihar ahead of upcoming elections, particularly among communities addressed by the opposition’s narrative.
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