Leaders not those who lead masses in arson & violence, says Army Chief

December 26: Addressing an event in Delhi on Thursday, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat said, ““Leadership is all about leading. When you move forward, everybody follows… But leaders are those who lead people in the right direction. Leaders are not those people who lead people in inappropriate directions, as we are witnessing in a large number of university and college students, the way they are leading masses of crowds to carry out arson and violence in our cities and towns. This is not leadership.”

Bipin Rawat, who is set to retire on 31 December was referring to the nationwide protest against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. His comment has irked the opposition. The opposition leaders expressed the view that it is unusual for a serving Army Chief to comment on the country’s internal affairs, which are the domain of the civilian government.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh wrote on Twitter: “I agree 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?” Many others too lashed out at the Army Chief for commenting on civil matters.