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“Leadership does not mean leading people to violence”: Army chief Bipin Rawat

This is the first time General Rawat, who is to retire on December 31, made a statement over prevailing law and order situation in India

New Delhi: It is not leadership if leaders guide masses, comprising university and college students, to carry out arson and violence in our cities, Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Thursday, while stating on agitation against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Leaders emerge from crowds but are not those who lead people in “inappropriate directions“, added the Indian Army chief while addressing a gathering at a health summit in New Delhi. Rawat said leaders are those who lead people in the right direction.

The Army chief’s statement drew criticism from Opposition leaders including All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM)’s Asaduddin Owaisi and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.

Owaisi said by twitting, “Leadership is knowing the limits of one’s office. It is about understanding the idea of civilian supremacy and preserving the integrity of the institution that you head.”

“I agree with General Saheb but also Leaders are not those who allow their followers to indulge in Genocide of Communal Violence. Do you agree with me, General Saheb?” Digvijaya Singh said on the social media platform.

This is the first time General Rawat, who is to retire on December 31, made a statement over prevailing law and order situation in India.Bipin Rawat is among the top contender for the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister on tri-services matters.

According to the sources, the government is considering appointing serving General Rawat as India’s first CDS. The decision would be taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Army Chief Rawat was commissioned into the 5th battalion of 11 Gorkha Rifles on December 16, 1978.

On December 16, the Centre has announced that Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane will be the next Chief of Indian Army Staff leading the 1.3 million-strong force after General Rawat retires. Currently, Lt Gen Naravane is serving as Vice Chief of the Indian Army.

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