Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (November 5, 2025) hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for alleging that India’s armed forces were “under the control of 10 per cent of the population,” accusing him of trying to “divide the Army” and “create anarchy” ahead of the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections.
Addressing a campaign rally, Singh said the remarks were “unfortunate and dangerous,” and warned that such statements could demoralise soldiers who serve beyond caste and community lines.
“The Indian Army has no religion or caste,” he said firmly. “Our soldiers have only one dharma — sainya dharma (the code of a soldier). Don’t drag our Army into politics. Whenever the nation has faced a crisis, our soldiers have raised India’s head high through courage and sacrifice.”
Rahul Gandhi’s caste remark sparks controversy
The controversy erupted after Rahul Gandhi, while campaigning in Aurangabad, Bihar, claimed that “only 10 per cent of the country’s population — the upper castes — control corporate India, the bureaucracy, the judiciary and even the Army,” reiterating his demand for a nationwide caste census.
The Congress leader alleged that the remaining 90 per cent of citizens — comprising backward classes, Dalits, Adivasis and minorities — were being systematically excluded from positions of power.
The remarks triggered strong reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused Gandhi of attempting to inject caste politics into the military.
‘Army cannot be seen through lens of caste,’ says Defence Minister
Responding to the Congress leader’s comments, Rajnath Singh said, “We support reservations for the poor and the backward, but the Army cannot be seen through the lens of caste. This politics of sect and religion has caused great harm to the country.”
The Defence Minister emphasised that India’s armed forces have always represented the country’s diversity and unity. “When our jawans fight on the borders, they fight as Indians, not as members of any caste or community,” he said.
Political leaders condemn Gandhi’s remarks
Several political leaders criticised Rahul Gandhi’s comments, calling them “irresponsible” and “divisive.”
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the statement as “shameful,” alleging that the Congress was once again resorting to identity politics. “These are the same parties that have practiced caste politics for decades, and now they are dragging the Army into it,” she said.
BJP leaders across Bihar and Delhi echoed similar sentiments, with campaign speeches focusing on national unity and the apolitical character of the armed forces.
Not the first controversy involving armed forces
This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi’s statements on the armed forces have drawn criticism. During his Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2023, Gandhi had alleged that “Chinese troops are thrashing Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh.”
The Supreme Court later pulled him up for making such remarks, observing that political leaders must exercise restraint and avoid statements that could undermine national morale.
Party sources, meanwhile, maintained that Rahul Gandhi’s latest remarks were being “distorted” and that his intent was to highlight socio-economic inequalities rather than question the Army’s integrity.
Bihar elections context
The war of words comes as the political temperature in Bihar rises ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Both the BJP and the Congress-led alliance are engaged in intense campaigning, with caste census, reservation policies, and welfare schemes dominating the poll narrative.
Political observers say Gandhi’s remarks could become a major talking point in the election campaign, with the BJP likely to use them to consolidate nationalist sentiment among voters.
The Election Commission has not yet commented on the controversy, but sources indicated that any potential complaint about violation of the Model Code of Conduct would be examined if received.