‘ Army Chief’s remark on AIUDF growth shocking’
The All- India United Democratic Front president and MP Badruddin Ajmal here on Thursday said the remark of Army Chief Bipin Rawat about his party’s fast growth in Assam was shocking.
“I believe General Rawat has wrongly been briefed by his field officers… Why is it a concern for the Army Chief that a political party, based on democratic and secular values, is rising fast?” said Mr Ajmal.
At an event in Delhi on Wednesday, Gen. Rawat talked about the “fast pace” of growth of the AIUDF. He implied that an influx of illegal Muslim migrants into the area had led to the growth of the party.
The All- India United Democratic Front president and MP Badruddin Ajmal here on Thursday said that remark of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat about his party was shocking.
Pointing out that they take the Indian Army in very high esteem, Mr Ajmal told this newspaper, “I believe General Bipin Rawat has wrongly been briefed by his field officers. We as a political party have been upfront in demanding the NRC ( National Register of Citizens) both at the Parliament and in the Assembly.”
Informing that party leaders are going to meet President of India, Prime Minister and Home Minister to register their protest against the remark of the Army Chief, Mr Ajmal said, “” Why is it a concern for the Army Chief that a political party, based on democratic and secular values, is rising faster than BJP? Alternative parties like AIUDF, AAP have grown because of the poor- governance of big parties.”
Mr Ajmal also advised that Army Chief should have cross- examined the facts before making such baseless statement on growth of a political party.
Defending General Rawat’s comments on the AIUDF, Army sources in New Delhi said there was “nothing political or religious in the talk”. “The Bangladeshi PM too had spoken about amalgamation and development on February 21 while meeting the media”.
The AIUDF came into existence in October 2005. The party fought the first Assembly polls in 2006.