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In an apparent effort to put to rest the controversy regarding Army chief General VK Singh’s date of birth after the Supreme Court ruling last week, Defence Minister AK Antony on Monday said he has “full confidence in Singh” and treat the issue as a “closed chapter”.
Reacting to the apex court ruling for the first time amidst speculation that the Army chief may resign, Antony said, “The Government has confidence in the present chief and that was conveyed in the Supreme Court also. Everything is clear and we have confidence in him.” He made these remarks when asked if Singh has offered to resign.
Stating this on the sidelines of a seminar organised by the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), Antony said, “I am very happy that this very unfortunate controversy is over after the judgement of the Supreme Court. In the interest of national security, please forget and bury this unfortunate controversy.”
He then said, “Whatever has happened has happened and is over now. I request my colleagues to close this chapter and let us all work together to strengthen national security. For us, national interest is supreme.”
The Supreme Court on Friday last upheld the Government’s order rejecting the Army chief’s statutory complaint and maintaining that his year of birth is 1950. Singh contended that his correct year of birth is 1951 and challenged the Government order in the apex court. Following the ruling, the Army chief said his honour and integrity was restored by the court and he welcomed the ruling.
Antony and Singh left for Saudi Arabia and UK respectively on Monday for official visits. While Antony will be in Riyadh for two days, the Army chief will be in UK for four days.
Reacting to the apex court ruling for the first time amidst speculation that the Army chief may resign, Antony said, “The Government has confidence in the present chief and that was conveyed in the Supreme Court also. Everything is clear and we have confidence in him.” He made these remarks when asked if Singh has offered to resign.
Stating this on the sidelines of a seminar organised by the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), Antony said, “I am very happy that this very unfortunate controversy is over after the judgement of the Supreme Court. In the interest of national security, please forget and bury this unfortunate controversy.”
He then said, “Whatever has happened has happened and is over now. I request my colleagues to close this chapter and let us all work together to strengthen national security. For us, national interest is supreme.”
The Supreme Court on Friday last upheld the Government’s order rejecting the Army chief’s statutory complaint and maintaining that his year of birth is 1950. Singh contended that his correct year of birth is 1951 and challenged the Government order in the apex court. Following the ruling, the Army chief said his honour and integrity was restored by the court and he welcomed the ruling.
Antony and Singh left for Saudi Arabia and UK respectively on Monday for official visits. While Antony will be in Riyadh for two days, the Army chief will be in UK for four days.
