New Delhi, Nov 5 (NationPress) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi encountered intense backlash for his assertion that the Army is “under the control of 10 percent of the nation’s population,” with ruling party members labeling it as “deeply shameful” and “extremely hurtful.”

During a campaign event in Aurangabad, Bihar, on Tuesday, Gandhi remarked, “Only 10 percent of the nation’s populace (the ‘upper castes’) receive opportunities in corporate sectors, bureaucracy, and the judiciary… and even the Army is governed by them.”

Union Minister Chirag Paswan denounced the comment, stating, “This is not only deeply shameful but also extremely hurtful. If the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha harbors such views and associates our Armed Forces with caste, religion, or community, it is profoundly painful for democracy.”

BJP MLA C. Adinarayana Reddy also responded, declaring, “This is the most appalling statement made by Rahul Gandhi. No one can control the Army. The Army is robust and operates independently. It is not under anyone’s control, not even Prime Minister Modi.”

JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan stated, “Now he has even questioned the morale of our Army. He should at least show respect to the Armed Forces. Our soldiers have consistently performed admirably. Any inappropriate remarks about the Army will inevitably lead to public outrage.”

Union Minister Raj Bhushan Chaudhary expressed, “It is unfortunate that, as per his usual conduct, he is creating divisions within the Army and attempting to undermine the morale of our Armed Forces. Soldiers fight and sacrifice their lives for the country, and it is completely wrong to divide them in this manner.”

BJP leader Janak Chamar added, “When Rahul Gandhi is in India, he insults the Indian populace, and when he travels abroad, he disparages the country. The nation is aware of this, and their game is over. The UPA is losing relevance everywhere. Their strategy to gain media attention through insults has become habitual.”

BJP leader Tarun Chugh criticized the statement, asserting, “What he has stated reflects a profound mental bankruptcy. It insults the identity and valor of the Indian Army. The country will never accept such statements.”

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta remarked, “These are the same parties that engage in caste-based politics, and now they are dragging the Army into it. I want to emphasize that those who can criticize the country abroad, question the Indian Army, and compromise national security should feel ashamed.”

Nevertheless, the Congress defended Rahul Gandhi, asserting that his comments were being misinterpreted and that his sentiments “need to be understood.”

Congress leader V. Gurunadam defended Gandhi’s statement regarding the Indian Army, saying, “A few leaders are attempting to distort his remarks negatively. What Rahul Gandhi intended was that only 10 percent of the populace manages the Army, corporate sector, and judiciary. Around 60 to 70 percent of Indians live near or below the poverty line. Whatever Rahul Gandhi has said is completely accurate. It is a common tactic for BJP leaders to attack Rahul Gandhi to tarnish his reputation during election seasons.”

Congress leader Rajesh Thakur echoed this sentiment, stating, “His remarks need to be interpreted correctly. Many individuals engage only in politics. What he meant is that Dalits and backward communities have not progressed, and there is a necessity to uplift them. What is wrong with that? The Bharatiya Janata Party twists and distorts everything. They cannot tolerate anyone advocating for Dalits, backward classes, or minorities.”

Congress MP Imran Masood also supported Gandhi, stating, “Rahul Gandhi is absolutely accurate. He has presented the factual data. Who possesses control over the country’s resources? Only 10 percent of the population has dominion over them. These 10 percent, whoever they may be, govern, while the remaining 90 percent live in subjugation.”