There is much hue and cry about actress Rich Chadda’s tweet controversy. The actress already deleted the tweet and apologized citing that she has no intention to insult the army, its valor, and its dignity. Despite that, there is a worse kind of politics is going on and even non-politicians are coming face to face in social media space. Many started saying that the Indian Army is being politicized by the ruling party whereas opposition parties and so-called liberal gangs rally behind Richa Chadda citing that she hasn’t commented on the Indian Army but rather on the political jingoism of Indian Army officers.
My point is very clear. Everybody is pushing their narrative for their selfish interest without really knowing who said what. I just wanted to clarify many things. The first question is whether the Indian Army under political influence displayed any jingoism. The answer is no. Indian Army is one of the most disciplined, dignified, and impartial institutions in this country. Did Richa Chadda comment on the Indian Army’s statement/tweet? The answer is again negative. Let’s really know what exactly Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, General officer, Commanding-in-chief of Norther Command actually said.
Lt. General Dwivedi in fact addressed a press conference on 22nd November 2022 on terrorist activities and Pakistan’s involvement in J &K. During the press conference, a journalist asked about POK. Lt. General responded in a dignified way that the Indian Parliament has passed a resolution that the POK is an integral part of India. Before that when asked about action against the terrorist across the border, Mr. Dwivedi said that ‘Any order given by the Government of India will be carried out. When asked about action on POK, he repeated the statement that the Indian Army will carry out any order by the government of India. It has nothing to do with Jingoism or war-mongering. He was talking about terrorism (which is the main subject of the Press conference) and he referred to the Parliament resolution and asserted that Army’s job is to carry out the government’s order. That’s the real democratic way of how institutions function.
Now, one BABA Banaras (@RealBababanaras) tweeted out of context that the Indian Army said that it will take back POK and many other provocative things. Frankly, neither Lt. General Dwivedi said this nor ever Indian Army use so cheap talks. I think Rich Chadda perhaps responded to this person either humorously or even against the words used in this tweet in the name of the Indian Army. No doubt her post was in poor taste but I am sure that had the tweet been issued by the Indian Army, she wouldn’t have responded to it. It appears that the Baba Banaras showed some jingoism out of context citing the Indian Army. According to me, he should first be booked for carrying out fake news.
Anyway, wise people should always check the facts before commenting. Some started criticizing Richa Chadda proving themselves that they are patriots as they always give the highest honor to the Indian Army. Those who supported Rich Chadda started accusing the Army is politicized by the ruling party.
The point is both sides are propelling their narrative whereas the Indian Army ignored all these through a dignified silence and Rich Chadha too apologized. opposing parties are trying to create a mountain out of a mole.
If we are sensitive, wise, and mature, shouldn’t we stop all such nonsense at least on this issue?