Ex-Servicemen to vote BJP en masse

Following their fourth protest rally in Delhi today, a large body of ex-military servicemen has decided to vote and support the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. It would be unreasonable to imagine that every last servicemen in the 24-lakh-strong community can possibly be rallied to vote one way, but that’s the intention that’s been put forth. The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM), a body that took birth during the 6th Pay Commission angst, announced today that it would work night and day to persuade all ex-servicemen, including those who owe allegiance to other ex-servicemen organisations, to vote BJP.

In a statement, the IESM said today, “After lengthy confabulations at the rally, particularly on aspects related to manifestos of various political parties, it was decided by majority that ESM across the country will vote and support the BJP. Exceptions will be in constituencies where ex-servicemen are being fielded by ex-servicemen parties supported by IESM.”

Their prolonged ire has boiled down to this decision based on two factors. One, the perceived apathy of the UPA government in agreeing to introduce pension parity despite an on-record promise by Congress president Sonia Gandhi. And two, a promise by the BJP in its manifesto — and bolstered by LK Advani personally visiting the veterans during their last protest — that the One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) standard will be introduced should they return to power in the Centre.

56 thoughts on “Ex-Servicemen to vote BJP en masse”

  1. Is the title with a YAHOO! or OH NO!
    You have been bitching too much lately..
    more bitching than defense stuff which are aplenty..Anyway as a BJP supporter..
    good to know!

  2. Fine.
    Afterall,they are valued citizens of INDIA.It is their Right of choice among the existing political parties.

  3. Things are getting hot! One crore vote bank may just have the last laugh. Congress, however, had been asking for it and cannot crib. Their apathy was no way to treat our forces.

  4. I AM AN EXSERVICEMAN RETIRED FROM AIR FORCE. MORE THAN THE PAY AND PERKS WHY I WILL VOTE FOR BJP IS BECAUSE OF CAPACITY OF THAT PARTY TO TAKE DECESSIONS AND QUICK DECESSIONS ON THE MATTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY SO THAT THE MORALE OF FORCES WILL BE BOOSTED. AND I BELIVE OTHER PARTY DO NOT HAVE CAPACITY TO DO SO BECAUSE OF TWO LEADERS TO GOVERN THE THEORY.

  5. As the things are going around our borders, I think within 5 years time there would be major war between India & Pakistan & this may even go nuclear. I don't want India to fight a war with Pakistan under the leader of Dr. Manmohan Singh or a child like Rahul Gandhi. We need a strong leader like Sri L K Advani. I would vote for BJP, just because of this.

    Anil Kumar
    Mumbai

  6. Dont expect too much as BJP rep in one of TV debate said it is BJP manifesto like as it happened in last elections it all depnds on the partners in power ie NDA the discussion was on Mandir issue it was on last elections and is in this one too why didnt BJP build it when in power answer was because it was not in common min pgme of NDA. So all this ie OROP,IT exemption, separate pay commission is in BJPs list of 5 yearly promises all are same family of frogs croaking in the season

  7. hi folks.. this is just another of the BJP stunts.. i am sure the ex-service men are wise enough to understand the ploy.. we all know the indecisiveness of the BJP when we kept sitting like fools on the LC and IB for close to 11 months.. they could have sorted out matters with pakistan if thy had the so called leadership or decision making capability..,, all fart and no shit., thats BJP,, CHEERS

  8. @ annon 0418pm today & jay ,we would like to take chances with Advani/malhotra rather than a person who can not get instuction implemented when in power or maybe those instuctions are only tom foolery .In any case this time is the first time ,we will be wiser the next time & also stronger .If the people in service start reacting then it will be very bad for every one & that may lead India fragmanting , like what is happening to Pakistan .Too bad but some people who are committing ommission will be responsible .May God help this country — jai hind

  9. DON’T EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM THE BJP. WHEN NDA WAS IN POWER THEIR RM DISMISSED THE NAVAL CHIEF. WHAT WAS JASWANT SINGH DOING THEN. WHEN JASWANT WAS THE MEMBER OF THE CABINET DID HE DO ANY THING FOR THE SERVICES OR EXSERVICE MEN. NO. THEN WHY SHOULD I VOTE FOR THEM?

  10. This is not an issue of one party vs another. Its a shame how all governments have sidestepped this issue. Last year I witnessed a very old couple count repeatedly with joy the four 100 rupee notes they had received in pension. It was heartwrenching.
    I have checked the list of candidates in my constituency, it looks straight out of India’s most wanted. Seriously! I cant believe people still vote for them. I won’t vote for these jokers.

  11. No matter how worthy the cause, Gen Kadyan’s advisory to ex servicemen to vote for a particular political party (any one!) is a betrayal of our loyal and apolitical servicemen. He would surely have known that this message could not be restricted to ex servicemen alone and, intended or not, it could be construed as a message to our serving personnnel as well! The results of this politicization could be devastating!

  12. Vote Bank politics at its best. The same party did nothing for the same cause while in power and now suddenly remembers the Armed Forces. In all fairness, we do not know if Gen Kadyan is preparing ground for his induction in a political party, yet he had no business to portray that he represented all ex servicemen in supporting a particular party.

  13. Kudos to our men in uniform for their service and dedication. However, did the BJP need to politicize even this segment? Most of the demands of ex servicemen like one rank one pension are genuine, but the sops now offered seem over the top – dont other people like teachers, techies, businessmen and other ordinary people serve their country too?

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  15. Behind Manmohan’s gentle external facade lies the iron interior. His dealing with the demands of ex servicemen may seem unfair, but he is not selling out on what he thinks is balanced stand from a national standpoint just to get a few more votes. Compare this with cheap populism of another party that seeks victory no matter the cost or the means adopted. While some demands of ex servicemen are justified, the BJP’s new offers (that were not even demanded!) reeks of “rice at Rs2/- per Kg” to our proud Armed Forces.

  16. Soldiers of every faith and creed serve in the armed forces united in their desire to serve their country. No “quota” in their patriotism – just look at the number of Sikh, Christian and even Muslim bravery awardees – that greatly exceeds their population ratio. While privately they may have their own political loyalties, it is a tragedy that Mr. Advani (silent on Babri Masjid, Gujarat massacre, Kandhamal, Varun Gandhi etc)could not leave our pristine armed forces untarnished by politics and cheap promises.

  17. One party capitulates to terrorists (the Kandahar episode), gets the nation’s top terrorist escorted out in style to freedom. The same terrorist is then instrumental in numerous strikes on India, including the Parliament attack and perhaps the Mumbai outrage that kill hundreds. Then our “weak Prime Minister” always accused of “appeasing minorities” reacts with resolute firmness at Mumbai. The religion of the perpetrators is immaterial and they dont get the privilege of a dialogue but just bullets. Now, the BJP wants to show it is the more patriotic party by cheaply trying to show they are more concerned about the men in uniform. Why was nothing whatsoever done while they were in power?

  18. NOT ALL EX SERVICEMEN ARE GOING TO VOTE FOR ONE PARTY. I AM NOT GOING TO VOTE FOR BJP. THATS FOR SURE…AND I AM AN EX SERVICEMAN. BJP WILL NOT DO ANY THING WORTHWHILE FOR US….MARK MY WORDS,,

  19. Some acid tests before you vote:
    1.Does your party appeal to your hopes and aspirations or does it derive strength from polarizing people and preying on your fears of some community or the other?
    2. Is your party inclusive i.e. takes in aspirations of all Indians regardless of religion, caste etc or does it preach the primacy of any one group?
    3. Does your party equally apply the law of the land to terrorists of any religion or does it, for political convenience, allow some some terrorists to be portrayed as patriots?
    4. Is your candidate concerned about real national issues or pandering to vote banks – minorities, ex-servicemen, caste groups etc for political expediency?
    5. Will all communities be proportionately represented and have a voice in any government formed by your party (as they should in a fair and just set up)?

  20. Anon at 10.38 and digvijay – something for you to chew on: I think the present government has been far more resolute in handling terrorism than the BJP. The security forces are unimpeded and fully empowered to carry out their duty. Look at the action in 26/11, J&K or anywhere else. Far more terrorists have been killed during the term of the current government. Its just that the BJP wants you to see terrorism in purely religious terms. It wants you to believe that 'terrorist' and 'Muslim' are equal and mutually interchangeable. How can this country be strong outwardly when it is being fragmented day by day from the inside with hatred that will span generations?

  21. The greatest thing about our armed forces is that they are truly secular and apolitical. The leadership and the ranks is drawn from men and women from every religion,caste and linguistic Everyone has equal opportunity to rise to the top. They are proudly at home in a mandir, masjid, gurudwara or any other religious place. Above all, their patriotism is NEVER linked to any religion, whatever it may be. The armed forces do not have the ethos of the Vinay Katiyars, Mutaliks, Togadias and Varun Gandhis or indeed,so many Imams. If Lt Col Purohit is indeed guilty of the Malegaon blasts and killing our own people, he is a traitor and guilty of treachery like none other. While Gen Kadyan has done wonders for ex servicemen’s demands, he has betrayed the whole organisation by asking them to vote for a particular political party and in this case, in my personal opinion, a rabidly communal one.

  22. Almost every ex-serviceman and serving personnel will vote for BJP…………THIS HAS BEEN THE SOLE REASON FOR GETTING VOTER CARDS FOR SERVICE MEN.we will vote for BJP b’coz they alone has promised us OROP.

  23. BJP is the best for the nation…….the congress goons have failed to even give the PB4 inspite of it having been cleared by the so called “STRONG” prime minister…………..shame on congress

  24. stop being the poojaris of honesty is my appeal to ex-servicemen.Advani has not done any sin any time in the past.DO NOT MIX BABRI DEMOLITION WITH THIS ISSUE…….WE ARE VOTING ONLY FOR OUR RIGHTS…….

  25. Anon 4.42 PM, Why did the BJP did not accept the same demands of servicemen for five years when it was in power? How come it only remembers them at the eve of elections this time? You mention voting for your rights – now all should vote for their rights – Dalits, OBCs etc for 90% reservation, below poverty line (BPL) for those who offer free TV and loan waiver, armed forces for no income tax. So national interest be dammed and he who offers the best ‘bribe’ should be elected. This is NOT to say that many of the demands of the servicemen are most reasonable.In national interest, the armed forces MUST be above politics. The general blundered in asking exservicemen to vote for a particular party. He should have merely told them to vote in their own interest – not mentioning BJP or otherwise. What is also objectionable is that a party that has done nothing so far for servicemen is now using your own word, becoming “poojaris” of concern for them just to make them a vote bank.

  26. I really do wish to see BJP back in power.

    The congress is willing to get back with CPIM to form a govt at the center….

    I mean how desperate is that..

    Anthing to get the Communist out of the power

  27. The BJP has always taken Narional Security more seriously than the Congress. It was during the NDA regime that the formation of the DIA (Defence Intelligence Agency) took place, an organisation which is today carrying out covert operations in Afghanistan in order to secure India’s interests out there (Prasun Sengupta has written about the DIA’s role in Afghanistan in his blog), it was during the NDA regime’s tenure that the Integrated Defence Staff was formed. Mr LK Advani as the Union Home Minister was instrumnental in setting up the MAC or Multi Agency Centre at the MHA, its a different story that during Mr Shivraj Patil’s tenure as Home Minister this organisattion fell into disuse. Moreover it cannot be forgotten that Mr Ajit Doval a Kirti Chakra winner and one of India’s most daring field operatives was appointed as the IB chief by Mr Advani, today he is a close advisor of Advaniji and might take on the mantle of the National Security Advisor if the NDA comes to power. I feel that the BJP is better equipped to handle matters related to National Security and the decision taken by Lt Gen Kadyan will only help the servicemen and ex-servicemen of India.

  28. [email protected] AM,

    I am the anon who you are referring to.Since you have commented on my remarks,I feel I should have the right to clarify.
    “Why did the BJP did not accept the same demands of servicemen for five years when it was in power? ” which demands?is it OROP?or the income tax exemption?If it’s the latter,well no one asked for it .As for OROP,it’s like this ,mate.5 years before they may not have done it.BUT THEY NEVER PROMISED IT SO LOUDLY THEN.Forget,it were we so vociferous in asking for it then?and they made a mistake,they have realised it,and are telling you now that they will give you OROP.CONGRESS HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING NOW,THEY DID NOTHING THEN.WHEN THE EX-SERVICEMEN WERE ROTTING ON THE ROADS,THE NO ASINGLE CONGRESS MANJACK CAME VISITING.IT’S ABOUT THE ATTITUDE.5 years before BJP did not give you OROP,agreed.But why are you clinging on to the past?????GIVE THEM A CHANCE AT LEAST!!!!!!HOW DO U KNOW THEY WILL HONOUR THEIR WORDS OR NOT???????ARE YOU GOD?????????

    YOU TALK ABOUT NATIONAL INTERESTS.WHO ARE YOU TO TALK ABOUT NATIONAL INTERESTS???THE PRIME MINISTER???????WHO VOTES FOR NATIONAL INTERESTS,DEAR????????YOU SEEM TO HAVE A GREAT JOB WITH THE ARMY AND SEEM TO HAVE EVERYTHING EASY IN LIFE.YOU REALLY ARE GETTING TIME FOR THINKING ABOUT”NATIONAL INTERESTS”.HAS THE NATION CARED FOR YOUR INTERESTS?????THE ANSWER IS NO…..

    THE POINT IS THAT YOU HAVE A PERSONAL AGENDA AGAINST BJP COMING TO POWER.UNFORTUNATE,IT IS,I PRESUME BECAUSE YOU ARE DOING THIS DUE TO THE OTHER ISSUES THE BJP IS RAKING UP.

    YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE APOLITICAL, MEANING YOU SHOULD BE ABOVE PETTY RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL THOUGHTS.FIRST YOU CLEANSE YOUR THOUGHTS AND BECOME SECULAR AND APOLITICAL AND THEN WE WILL TALK……..

  29. TO ALL THOSE WHO OPPOSE BJP,,,,,,,,

    Can you tell me what the congress has done for you???even after the PB4 is signed,it has not reached us because the government does not wish so.Every pay commision had congress in power,,,you know the results…..some of you say that BJP did not do it when it was in power the last time.what did congress do??????????it was in power for 50 years!!!!!!!!Do not talk about what happened 50 years before or 5 years before……..BJP has promised something now.IT’S ALL ABOUT THIS PRESNT ,NOT THE PAST.may be it’s an election gimmick,but see the congress.Sonia Gandhi just refused to see the ex-servicemen and send ambika soni instead!!!!!!!!!and how are you so sure BJP will not keep their promises??????????

    TO THOSE WHO HAVE SAID THAT GEN KADYAN WAS WRONG AND WAS COMMUNAL,,,,,,,,,,Wake up!!!!!what do you want the ex-servicemen to do?????????wait till eternity?????/beg in front of that rahul baba???????????the ex-servicemen tried their level best to do what they could.the CONGRESS just was not bothered…You who call gen Kadyan communal is being communal.You have a hidden dislike for BJP because what they preach is against your sentiments,religious or otherwise.No one who is voting for BJP is doing it for all that they say.This vote is just about setting the injustices right…………

    TO THE GREAT MAN WHO DECIDED TO BRING IN THE BABRI MASJID ISUUE AND SAID THAT BJP SHOULD NOT EB VOTED FOR!!!!!!!!,,

    You have shown your true colours.You hold your religious and political sentiments closer to your heart than the interests of the armed forces that you serve!!!!!!!!SHAMEFUL!!!!!!

    TO SOME WHO FEEL EVEN OTHER EMPLOYEES WOULD ASK FOR THE SAME AND FAUJIS ARE NO DIFFERENT,,,,,,,,,,we are different,we have certain rights and we do not enjoy many of the rights that you take for granted to begin with.WE PUT OUR LIVES ON THE LINE.YOU WANT THE SAME PRIVILEGES AS WE HAVE,,,,,,,,,,,,WE ARE READY FOR A MUTUAL EXCHANGE OF PORFESSION.IF YOU CANNOT DO THAT I SUGGEST YOU STAND A POST,OR SAIL A BOAT OR FLY A PLANE.ELSE,JUST LAY OFF!!!!!

    TO THOSE WHO FEEL ARMED FORCES SHOULD REMAIN APOLITICAL,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,We were,sir,apolitical and descent and goody goody and then PB4 happened!!!!

    I FIGHT FOR MONEY,IT MATTERS TO ME…..MAY BE IT DOES NOT MATTER TO THOSE WHO OPPOSE INCOME TAX EXEMPTIONS AND OROP……..I SUGGEST YOU FORWARD A PART OF YOUR PAY TO ME,FOR I FEEL I DESERVE TWICE OF WHAT I AM GETTING NOW.YOU WILL NOT FEEL SO,FOR YOU HAVE NEVER WORKED HARD ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!1

  30. Anon 2.54 pm and 3.14 pm, I presume you are the same person. Absolutely agree with you that the Congress has handled ex servicemen pathetically. It was great that Advani at least took time off to meet the ex servicemen and ascertain their problems. Frankly, to me, many of the actions of the Government and the arrogance of ministers in not even meeting the ex servicemen and discussing their problems is abhorrent. It’s great that you agree that the BJP ploy may be an election gimmick. Incidentally, I never called Gen Kadyan communal – I only mention that he should never have asked ex servicemen (and by default servicemen) to vote for party A or B. According to me -no cause on earth should allow politics into the armed forces – even if it is till eternity. If that is allowed, we will disintegrate like a banana republic. Once the poison is in the system, it will affect everything – promotions, postings, senior appointments and God forbid, the morale and fighting efficiency of our soldiers. Someone may have erred bringing other issues into this debate, but have you realized, while the politicians (both Congress and BJP) stoke the fires of hatred just for a few votes, it is ordinary people, police, paramilitary forces and armed forces that shed blood to pick up the pieces in the riots, bomb blasts and terrorism attacks that follow. Answering another personal comment, dear friend, I hold my country far above my religion or my political affiliations (which incidentally depend on the candidate and not the party) and for that matter above my profession. On a personal note, I last voted for a BJP man, who stood for just causes and according to me was quite unlike a few of his friends in the party. I definitely support OROP, PB4 etc as strongly as you and many other servicemen do. Great to know that you have a difficult job and that you slog real hard. I respect your opinion….

  31. A call from a body or tow or even many does not make people vote! people, yes even ex-servicemen, will vote for what is good for them and the country.
    so take all this as part of posturing. the only sad part is that as a democracy, we still like to convey a message that such calls sway people-most of all ex servicemen who may not have degrees but certainly have picked up enough education in their career.

  32. A national TV channel showed an ex serviceman dressed like Ravanna, with Manmohan, Chidambaram and other national peronalities faces on each of the heads. Sometime earlier, ex servicemen returned their medals. Gen Kadyan supports this sort of (worse than trade union) activities that critically lowers the image of dignified armed forces personnel. He then goes one step worse – openly asking them to vote for BJP.

    Many issues of ex servicemen are most genuine and have full public support, but that may not be for long with their type of leadership – my personal opinion.

  33. A to Z of Congress misrule

    A: Afzal guru not hanged by congress government despite Supreme Court order.
    B: Bomb blasts happen in hundreds, in 5 years of Congress misrule.
    C: Cost of living and food prices rise, making life difficult for Aam aadmi.
    D: Dr manmohan singh says Muslims have first right to India’s resources.
    E: Economy and business suffer like never before.
    F: Farmer suicides continue. Where did our money for farmers loan waiver go?
    G: Gujarat police has to provide evidence to enable SIMI ban to continue.
    H: Home Minister shivraj patil kicked out only after 4.5 years of sleep and 26/11.
    I: India bullied by china, but NO diplomatic response by the government.
    J: Jihadis offered pension in Kashmir by the congress government.
    K: karunanidhi and congress insult Lord Ram and call Ram-setu a fake.
    L: LeT becomes a household name, before congress forced to re-do POTA.
    M: Media makes Hindu bashing a fashion.
    N: Naxalism active in 165 districts of India .
    O: Orissa conversions/maoism cause Hindu saint’s death.
    P: Padmashri awards not given to Olympic winners.
    Q: Quattarochi is helped to escape. Jai Mata Rome (sonia gandhi).
    R: Report by Sachar committee advocates more minority appeasement.
    S: SP’s amar singh calls Batla house encounter a fake.
    T: Torture of Sadhvi Pragnya sanctioned by congress government.
    U: UK rule over India was good for India , says PM Dr manmohan singh.
    V: Vande Mataram NOT SUNG by PM and sonia gandhi. National shame.
    W: Wheat imported by Sharad Pawar not fit for cattle.
    X: (e)Xtremism bleeds our country. Soft approach on terror hurts us.
    Y: YS Rajsekher Reddy sanctions subsidy for christians to visit Jerusalem .
    Z: Zero development in fields like electricity generation, highways, etc.

  34. A to Z of Congress misrule

    A: Afzal guru not hanged by congress government despite Supreme Court order.
    B: Bomb blasts happen in hundreds, in 5 years of Congress misrule.
    C: Cost of living and food prices rise, making life difficult for Aam aadmi.
    D: Dr manmohan singh says Muslims have first right to India ?s resources.
    E: Economy and business suffer like never before.
    F: Farmer suicides continue. Where did our money for ?farmers loan waiver? go?
    G: Gujarat police has to provide evidence to enable SIMI ban to continue.
    H: Home Minister shivraj patil kicked out only after 4.5 years of sleep and 26/11.
    I: India bullied by china, but NO diplomatic response by the government.
    J: Jihadis offered pension in Kashmir by the congress government.
    K: karunanidhi and congress insult Lord Ram and call Ram-setu a fake.
    L: LeT becomes a household name, before congress forced to re-do POTA.
    M: Media makes Hindu bashing a fashion.
    N: Naxalism active in 165 districts of India .
    O: Orissa conversions/maoism cause Hindu saint?s death.
    P: Padmashri awards not given to Olympic winners.
    Q: Quattarochi is helped to escape. Jai Mata Rome (sonia gandhi).
    R: Report by Sachar committee advocates more minority appeasement.
    S: SP?s amar singh calls Batla house encounter a fake.
    T: Torture of Sadhvi Pragnya sanctioned by congress government.
    U: UK rule over India was good for India , says PM Dr manmohan singh.
    V: Vande Mataram NOT SUNG by PM and sonia gandhi. National shame.
    W: Wheat imported by Sharad Pawar not fit for cattle.
    X: (e)Xtremism bleeds our country. Soft approach on terror hurts us.
    Y: YS Rajsekher Reddy sanctions subsidy for christians to visit Jerusalem .
    Z: Zero development in fields like electricity generation, highways, etc.

  35. The anon @11.11 PM,

    I am the one that you are referring to.No,I posted the comments only once.I understand you well,you are not wrong,and you feel strongly for certain things in life………THAT’S AN ADMIRABLE QUALITY……..

    Coming to your comments,If you have not called Gen Kadyan communal,very fine.Coz,I feel we had to align with someone sooner than later rather than getting punched from both ends.

    Talking of politicization,if you think any flag appointment is made without political backing,,,,,,,,you are in wonderland.The politicization of armed forces has been there since time immemorial.Your “FEARS” that “promotions, postings, senior appointments and God forbid, the morale and fighting efficiency of our soldiers” are unfounded for it’s all happening already and we are still very fine in doing our jobs.You seem to be obsessed with seeing the darker side of things.I mean,truly,how could you foresee so many things going wrong just because IESM decided to support BJP??????And U seem to think that police,army and paramilitary are all in the same league?????wonder why!!!!!No,seriously,what’s the problem u are finding with IESM’s suggestion????That’s a suggestion and not a fatwa,You say that you had voted for a BJP man the last time,so what’s causing the heart ache?????Is some one forcing you to vote for BJP?????No,you are free and vote for anyone you feel like.Again you feel the whole nation’s burden is on you.If you have so mcuh of idealism,fight for PB4 or OROP.You say you love your country.I love myself.Unless we love ourselves,we cannot love any other human being forget the country.IF you love the country and are so interested in the morale of your men(I FEEL YOU ARE GENUINELY INTERESTED THOUGH SOME OF YOUR COMMENTS LEAVE ME LAUGHING),u must strive for a govt that honours it’s soldiers.

    YOU ,I BELIEVE HAVE THE BEST OF INTENTIONS IN YOUR MIND.UNFORTUNATELY SOME OF THE WORST MISTAKES ARE DONE WITH THE BEST OF INTENTIONS.i respect your opinion and wish you saw through the reality

  36. The anon @11.11 PM,

    I am the one that you are referring to.No,I posted the comments only once.I understand you well,you are not wrong,and you feel strongly for certain things in life………THAT’S AN ADMIRABLE QUALITY……..

    Coming to your comments,If you have not called Gen Kadyan communal,very fine.Coz,I feel we had to align with someone sooner than later rather than getting punched from both ends.

    Talking of politicization,if you think any flag appointment is made without political backing,,,,,,,,you are in wonderland.The politicization of armed forces has been there since time immemorial.Your “FEARS” that “promotions, postings, senior appointments and God forbid, the morale and fighting efficiency of our soldiers” are unfounded for it’s all happening already and we are still very fine in doing our jobs.You seem to be obsessed with seeing the darker side of things.I mean,truly,how could you foresee so many things going wrong just because IESM decided to support BJP??????And U seem to think that police,army and paramilitary are all in the same league?????wonder why!!!!!No,seriously,what’s the problem u are finding with IESM’s suggestion????That’s a suggestion and not a fatwa,You say that you had voted for a BJP man the last time,so what’s causing the heart ache?????Is some one forcing you to vote for BJP?????No,you are free and vote for anyone you feel like.Again you feel the whole nation’s burden is on you.If you have so mcuh of idealism,fight for PB4 or OROP.You say you love your country.I love myself.Unless we love ourselves,we cannot love any other human being forget the country.IF you love the country and are so interested in the morale of your men(I FEEL YOU ARE GENUINELY INTERESTED THOUGH SOME OF YOUR COMMENTS LEAVE ME LAUGHING),u must strive for a govt that honours it’s soldiers.

    YOU ,I BELIEVE HAVE THE BEST OF INTENTIONS IN YOUR MIND.UNFORTUNATELY SOME OF THE WORST MISTAKES ARE DONE WITH THE BEST OF INTENTIONS.i respect your opinion and wish you saw through the reality

  37. This is an absolute bull shit of a decision from the armed forces! When a person goes to the polling booth, he needs to vote for a candidate who can help the country and the society develop and not the one who can fill up his coffers. Voting for a party which has only ‘promised’ to do something before the elections is low point in the armed forces’ collective history.

  38. Anon 2.28 PM: Nice to have the RSS present their view. Its appaling that some of our elected representatives have to take every action based on instructions from their local khaki knicker masterji. Thats all fine….until our Army leadership is forced to do the same thanks to politics in the forces!!
    By the way, our minorities in the Army – Sikhs, Muslims and Christians – have proved their undying loyalty time. Your A – Z is so juvenile – do you think these brave men in the services need certificates of patriotism from half educated people like you? Please understand Mr RSS man, that wearing khaki knickers, attending shakas, abusing all Muslims and Christians etc does not make you patriotic. From your childish language, you are definitely not an armed forces person – for if you know the camraderie and true brotherhood that we experience, you would not talk such trash!

  39. Till now, an unwritten convention among all parties was to lay off politicizing the armed forces. Lets say that Advani did the right thing now (even though he forgot it during his own government rule) in supporting OROP. But then he went a step further – promising no income tax etc for the armed forces… even though they themselves never asked for it. In my opinion, it was a political expediency to gain a few votes…it does not matter if the institution is damaged in the process. The result was seen instantly when the ex servicemen’s league fell for this. For people in uniform, its something we can feel good about now cos we can win the battle of OROP. However, we may then lose the war of our hitherto impeccable neutrality and public image. Also, what next? Another set of politicians from a rival political party promising all servicepeople a free plot of land? Do we then change our colours and vote for them? Do people really think we sell our souls to the highest bidder? So we servicemen ‘bakras’ lose our respect and stature and now become just another vote bank!

    Our sincere thanks to politicians that want to help us, but our prayers to them not to bring divisions linked to their political agendas to the armed forces!!

  40. Anon at 6.15pm. I still disagree with your views. We should NEVER align with any political party lest we want to land up like Nigeria, Myanmar or our good neighbours Pakistan. There is no merit whatsoever in what your are saying regarding postings, promotions, appointments. There may be the odd case of interference, but by and large it has been merit alone. And no,our morale and efficiency is NOT dented or impared in any way as yet as you seem to suggest.

    By the way, sorry for an unconventional view…lets think of the paramilitary forces as our (younger!) brothers in arms and not forever be looking down on them. Yes, the armed forces have harder training, take more risks during war etc, but dont these guys too put their lives on the line? They move on postings from Kashmir to the North East and back and face terrorists with their great .303s. Probably as many of them have died in insurgencies than we have in war!

    The core of my comments is that the IESM should never, ever, have asked soldiers to vote for party A or B. By doing so, they may, in an entirely unprecedented manner bring politics to the armed forces. They could have worded it suggestively asking all to vote for any party that looks after their interests. My objection is that OROP, PB4 etc are long standing nonpolitical demands and should be dealt with in a non political, though forceful way. I am fully with Gen Kadyan in his untiring efforts, but deplore the means adopted. I am too small a person to hold the nation’s burden on my shoulders, but I feel strongly that, just in order to win these legitimate benefits, we dont lose something far more important to us!

  41. In her election nomination papers Sonia Gandhi has confirmed that her residence is in Italy. Some Indian media even reported this honestly. And yet the dumb Indics will still vote for her or her unqualified son because these traitors have white skin.

    ?? ??? ?? ??? ???? ?? ????.

  42. Anonymous 9.56 – White/brown/black skin, caste, language, region, religion etc if taken as the only ground for voting for a person is RACISM (Besides intellectual bankruptcy) Period!

  43. Well Mr. 9:56 PM Anonymous,

    In India a man or woman with white skin is automatically considered more intelligent in all matters. People are so blinded by the radiance of ???? ???? that they do not enquire into the motivation and history of a white skinned person. People are willing to overlook all the inconvenient truths in the quest to worship the white skin.

    This is not just an issue in politics, where Sonia is using our own inferiority against us to great effect, it is also present in day to day life. If you are dark skinned, you have to fight harder to get jobs in hospitality or media. Notice how few television personalities have dark skin versus the general composition of our population.

    In education, dark skin is equated with intellectual inferiority. And so on.

    In essence, while we might claim to be a free country, we are not a free people as yet.

  44. Mr. Anonymous 5.58 PM, totally agree with you that dark skinned persons suffer discrimination in this country of dark skinned people. In your last blog, you call Sonia and Rahul ‘traitors’. By this logic, Barack Obama, born of a Muslim father from Kenya and as unqualified as Rahul should be a traitor too as he is a black man of foreign origin in a white nation!! Does not make sense does it?? Please dont dont direct your anger brought on by your genuine grievances at Sonia just because she has a white skin. You are insulting the intelligence of millions of Indians who voted for her party and dont get fooled by the ‘white skin’ red herring. Please find the real ‘traitors’!!

  45. 5.58 PM. Aren’t you being hypocritical? You talk of discrimination against dark people, but at the same time inflict the same discrimination on a person with a white skin and for no other reason other than that. It would be better if you criticized the lady on issues rather than on ethnicity.

  46. Dear Christopher,

    Continuing the debate with you I would like to say that every one who is criticizing the IESM decision to support BJP is just being a part of the problem.All of them are parrotting the same old line “ARMED FORCES SHOULD BE APOLITICAL,ARMED FORCES SHOULD BE APOLITICAL,ARMED FORCES SHOULD NOT HAVE SUPPORTED BJP” but not one has been able to give a solution.”WHAT SHOULD THE IESM HAVE DONE’??????????????DO YOU HAVE A SOLUTION? The answer is an emphatic NO.
    As for your saying that the advisory should not have mentioned any party’s name,well,this issue is not about a few Officers.THIS OROP IS AN ISSUE ABOUT THE OUR MEN.While some Officers have the luxury of being eternal fence sitters and pass comments like “ARMED FORCES SHOULD BE APOLITICAL”,we need to spare a thought about the PBORs who are not as fortunate as us.THEY NEED MONEY AND WHO WILL PROVIDE THEM THAT?YOU,ME OR THE GOVT???????????

    You talk about national interest with an impunity that could make even Barrack Obama proud.what is national interest?????can u define it???????for me I AM THE NATION,YOU ARE THE NATION,EVERY CITIZEN OF INDIA IS THE NATION.HENCE,MY INTERESTS,OUR INTERESTS,THE INTEREST OF NEARLY 5 MILLION BROTHERS-AT -ARMS ARE A PART AND PARCEL OF THE SO CALLED NATIONAL INTERESTS.

    I do not for once support BJPs policies on other sensitive issues.They may be bad for the nation or may be damn good.I think they are better for the services.That’s all that counts.And the decision to support BJP was thrust on us.

    I may be very blunt in saying what I say.I do respect your views and the restraint approach.If you have any other suggestions,I would only be glad to accept it.

  47. Anon at 11.11

    Dear Sir

    Your views are outdated. The soldier today stands humilated because he does not vote enmass. Everybody take him for granted in this sick Indian society which wants bodybags to go to poor people’s homes only. No one is bothered for the forces. In India if you do not vote you are just a servant. Infact this philistine and sick society does not deserve an army like this; it is not worth getting killed for a society like this. You are worried about India disintegrating if soldiers beging voting enmass?? Great!!! Who are you to think so big. NO one is bothered about you . please get real. For the neta we are only servants. Till you vote enmass there is no hope. And your views about the BJP are motivated. We are not saying the are the best. Wich party is best. But they should be given a chance ; thats all. You are charged up since someone said vote for a party. Dont you feel the shame when you see thousands of greying and disintegrating old soldiers sitting helplessly in the scorching sun and returning their medals and no one even listening to them. Where does it happen in world. And some day do try and talk to an officer who has put in 18 years service and he is still being made to beg for PB4. You will be alarmed at what he is thinking. Your ‘disintegrating India’ fear will vanish in thin air. In that officers thought you wll see the real disintegration. So take care . Most of us do not think like you. The change is coming. It is for the nation to think what kind of army they want. Soldiers have had enough of moral lectures from people like you. Infact the ills of the soldiers are primarily due to your kind of thinkig. Warm Regards. Togh words? But you had to be told off

  48. Dear 8.11am. For a start, your outrage at the injustices done is not an iota more than mine. Regardless, I staunchly espouse my views, which essentially mean that the end does not justify the means. Going by your logic of voting enmass, should we now have Dalit soldiers banding together and forwarding appeals to vote for Maywati, or Yadavs for Mulayam Singh or for that matter Sikhs on dictates of Akal Thakt because they make better promises of salary and perks. In each case this could be endorsed by the local head of IESM depending on his political loyalties. Far fetched you may think, but quite possible going by the same logic. Incidentally, this is precisely what has happened – a head of IESM has actually forwarded an appeal to vote for a party with abusive language towards the other.

    I have not for one moment endorsed voting or not voting for any party, so your accusation of motivation is baseless. My central point is that we should maintain our dignity and neutrality regardless of the cost. Voting enmass or threatening to do so is NOT a characteristic of an evolved army anywhere and threatening trade union like action only lowers our image. You are perhaps wrong in saying that most don’t think like me. Please read blogs of others in this series and don’t let your frustration get the better of your judgment. Your ‘tough words’, accusations of ‘moral lectures’ and laying the ills of soldiers due to “my type of thinking” hardly improve the strength of your specious argument!!

  49. Anon 6.52am: I absolutely concede your point that there is a huge frustration in the way the government has dealt with the issue. Yes, a lot of pressure is required from the IESM, after all they are doing it for all ex servicemen and thanks to them for going that extra mile. Understand that the rage that boils in your chest boils in mine. Regardless, we have our own personal views on how the matter should be dealt with. I have articulated my position clearly in my various blogs and dont wish to add anything. Still feel that IESM could have used other means – the media, public opionion etc to forcefully articulate the point.

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