New Delhi:
Is a ceasefire on the cards in the ongoing high-pitched battle between the Army Chief, General VK Singh, and the government? General Singh yesterday hit out at allegations that he is responsible for leaking his confidential letter to the Prime Minister. But Defence Minister AK Antony, acting as an elderly statesman, tried to calm tempers by saying the government has confidence in all three service chiefs.
"This is an outrage! Official communication with the PM, RM (Raksha Mantri) or anybody for that matter with the COAS (Chief Of Army Staff) is privileged information. The leaking of the letter should be treated as high treason. This cynical approach to tar my reputation has to stop. The source of the leak has to be found and dealt with ruthlessly," the Army Chief said yesterday via a mailed statement.
A few hours later, speaking at the Defence Expo, AK Antony said that "All three chiefs (of the armed forces) enjoy the government's confidence." The minister's statement comes amid speculation that General Singh is on the verge of being dismissed. Some politicians like Lalu Prasad Yadav had made that demand. Mr Antony did not suggest who he believes is behind the leak, which he described as "anti-national... it only helps our enemies." He also said that the Intelligence Bureau has been asked to locate the mole. "We can't spare those people. Strongest action will be taken under Indian law," Mr Antony said. The Army Chief, however, skipped the expo. The exhibition is organised by Ministry of Defence for showcasing defence equipment for land and naval forces biennially. General Singh was also not present in the dinner, which was attended by Mr Antony, Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju, Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma and senior officials from ministry and industry.
Meanwhile, the CBI is today expected to get detailed response from the General over alleged bribe offer.
Weighing in on the side of the General was a Former Naval Chief Admiral Ramdas. He said: "Only one man benefits from the leak of the Army Chief's letter to the PM - the Raksha Mantri as it diverts attention from the bribe issue. MoD (Ministry of Defence), known for its selective leaks, has to draw a line somewhere. This is the worst possible cynicism that they can adopt. Besides, no man in uniform, let alone VK Singh, would ever do such a thing."
The Admiral was referring to the first of three storms generated by the Army Chief this week. On Monday, he disclosed that six months after he took office in 2010, he had been offered a bribe of 14 crores to sanction the purchase of "sub-standard" trucks. The Defence Minister found himself in the awkward position of explaining why he had not acted on the chief's information. Mr Antony said the General had not submitted a written complaint to him. He also said that though he asked the General to take some action, the chief refused.
With less than three months to go before he retires, the Army Chief's vertiginous relationship with the government has hit an unprecedented low. First, there was the disclosure of the offer of a bribe. Then came the leak of the letter to the PM, which has provoked twin debates on the urgent need to modernise the army and to ensure that process does not encourage corruption in contracts.
Speaking on the issue, the Defence Minister said, "Our policy is zero tolerance for corruption. In the process of procurement, if we receive complaints and it is established - we will not hesitate to cancel contracts at any stage. As per integrity pact, if any malpractice is found, there is provision for strict action to protect money and interests. No one will be spared, I assure you."