Politicisation of armed forces: Two ex-chiefs deny writting any letter to Prez

New Delhi: Giving it a fresh twist, two former military chiefs, Air Chief Marshal NC Suri and former Army Chief General SF Rodrigues on Friday denied writing any letter to President Ram Nath Kovind, expressing concerns over politicisation of the armed forces.

"To put an end to it, I wrote that armed forces are apolitical and support the politically elected govt. And no, my consent has not been taken for any such letter. I don’t agree with whatever has been written in that letter. We have been misquoted," Air Chief Marshal NC Suri told media.

ALSO READ: Over 150 military vets write to Prez over “politicisation of the armed forces”

The authenticity of the letter, however, came under question after Rashtrapati Bhavan denied receiving any such letter.

And now former Army chief General SF Rodrigues denies signing this letter — he’s the first name on the list! Amazing. pic.twitter.com/Q3UlGc7TSs

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) April 12, 2019

The ex-chief general, SF Rodrigues said denying writting any such letter, "We in the services have always done what the Govt in power ordered us, we are an instrument of the state.We are apolitical. Anyone can say anything and then sell it as fake news, I don't know who this gentleman is who wrote this(purported letter to Pres)."

ALSO READ: Modi may use soldiers for votes but forces stand with India: Cong

"Don’t know what it (purported letter written by armed forces veterans to Pres) is all about.All my life,we've been apolitical.Aftr,42 yrs as officer,it's a little late to change.Always put India first. Don’t know who these ppl are, classic manifestation of fake news," he further said.

The controversial is letter claimed to be written by 150 army veterans, including eight former chiefs, to President over “politicisation of the armed forces”.

ALSO READ: EC must act strongly against BJP as it won’t reform: Yechury on vets letter