Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 1st Jan. The Politics of Division: A Dangerous New Low
In the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has taken a path that threatens to fracture Bharat’s social and institutional unity. From advocating caste profiling across diverse fields—bureaucracy, media, academia, and even the sacrosanct institution of the Indian Armed Forces—his rhetoric has grown increasingly divisive. Gandhi’s statements, suggesting a caste hierarchy within the armed forces, have set a disturbing precedent. His claim that there are “two Bharat and two types of martyrs within the Army” represents an audacious attempt to politicize the sacrifices of soldiers, something Bharat has historically kept above the fray of identity politics.
Following in Gandhi’s footsteps, Congress spokesperson Prashant Kanojia has taken this divisive narrative to an even more dangerous level. His recent attacks on the Jain community, questioning their representation in the armed forces and gallantry award lists, reveal not only ignorance but also a deliberate agenda to deepen societal rifts.
Kanojia’s Attack on Jains: A Baseless and Misguided Rant
Prashant Kanojia’s claim on social media that Jains are underrepresented in the Indian Armed Forces and their gallantry awards is a calculated and provocative lie. He insinuated that the Jain community, often associated with business and commerce, avoids military service and sacrifices. Kanojia’s remarks also targeted Jain religious principles, particularly the community’s steadfast adherence to ahimsa (non-violence), to portray them as unwilling to serve the nation.
This narrative is not only baseless but also malicious. The Jain community, deeply rooted in values of service and ethical living, has contributed significantly to Bharat’s growth and governance. To question their patriotism or commitment to the nation is an affront not just to the community but to the ethos of Bharat as a diverse and inclusive society.
The Historical Role of Jains in Service to the Nation
Contrary to Kanojia’s baseless assertions, the Jain community has a proud history of service to the nation, including in the armed forces. While their guiding principle of ahimsa may deter violence, Jains have actively participated in roles where their contribution does not violate their religious beliefs.
Among the many prominent examples is Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, a Tamil Jain by birth, who became a national hero during the 2019 Bharat-Pakistan standoff. His unparalleled bravery, which included shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet and enduring captivity across the border with unwavering dignity, is etched in Bharat’s history.
Similarly, Air Commodore L.K. Jain, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, has served with distinction, amassing over 4,500 hours of flying experience and holding various prestigious roles in the Indian Air Force. Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, a former Vice Chief of Defence Staff and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, stands as another shining example of the Jain community’s contribution to Bharat’s military leadership.
In the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain of the Mahar Regiment represents the zenith of service, having commanded counterinsurgency forces in Jammu and Kashmir and leading the Indian Military Academy. His leadership and valor are a testament to the fact that Jain officers have reached the highest echelons of the armed forces, guided by their commitment to the nation.
These examples, among many others, expose the hollowness of Kanojia’s claims and highlight the significant contributions of Jains to the defense of Bharat.
The Indian Armed Forces: A Model of Unity in Diversity
The Indian Armed Forces stand as a testament to the nation’s unity in diversity. Guided by the principle of Naam, Namak, Nishan (Honor, Loyalty, and Flag), the armed forces transcend divisions of caste, religion, and region. Within its ranks, soldiers share a bond so strong that their faiths and backgrounds become secondary to the sacred duty of serving the nation.
To suggest otherwise, as Kanojia and other Congress leaders have done, is to tarnish the sanctity of an institution that has remained one of Bharat’s most unifying forces. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force recruit based on merit and dedication, not identity. In this system, a soldier’s worth is determined by their courage and commitment, not their religion or community.
Moreover, any attempt to inject caste or religious politics into the military is met with firm rejection. The Indian Armed Forces have consistently maintained that identity-based profiling has no place within their ranks. This principled stance ensures that the military remains a bastion of national pride, untarnished by the divisive rhetoric of opportunistic politicians.
The Left’s Persistent Efforts to Divide Indic Communities
Kanojia’s attack on the Jains is part of a broader strategy by leftist intellectuals and Congress leaders to sow discord among Bharat’s Indic communities. In recent years, similar campaigns have been launched to pit Buddhists against Hindus, Sikhs against Hindus, and other sub-groups against one another. The ultimate aim of these efforts is to weaken the social fabric of the nation, leveraging identity politics for short-term political gains.
By questioning the contributions of Jains to the armed forces, Kanojia is not just targeting a single community; he is attempting to undermine the larger unity of Indic traditions, which collectively form the bedrock of Bharatiya society. Such divisive tactics must be called out and rejected unequivocally.
A Dangerous Precedent
Rahul Gandhi and Prashant Kanojia’s attempts to inject caste and religious profiling into the Indian Armed Forces represent a dangerous precedent. By reducing soldiers to their identities rather than their deeds, they risk undermining the very institution that safeguards the sovereignty and unity of Bharat.
The politicization of the armed forces is a line that must not be crossed. The sacrifices made by soldiers transcend all barriers of caste, religion, and community. To pit one group against another in this context is not only irresponsible but also deeply disrespectful to the martyrs who have laid down their lives for the nation.
Conclusion: The Armed Forces Will Remain Above Petty Politics
The Indian Armed Forces are an institution built on the principles of unity, discipline, and selflessness. They have no caste or religion other than their shared identity as protectors of the nation. Efforts to inject divisive narratives into this sacred institution must be resisted with the utmost vigilance.
Jain officers like Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, Air Commodore L.K. Jain, Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, and Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain stand as shining examples of the community’s contributions to the armed forces. Their service and sacrifices underscore the fact that the military values merit and dedication above all else.
As a nation, we must reject the divisive rhetoric of leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Prashant Kanojia. The unity of the armed forces and the dignity of their sacrifices must remain above petty politics. In the face of such attempts to divide, the Indian Armed Forces will continue to stand tall as a symbol of Bharat’s strength, unity, and resilience.
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