Retired Service members joining parties a matter of pride. It isn’t politicisation of forces

The news that Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, former Chief of the Air Staff,has joinedthe Bharatiya Janata Partyhas re-ignited the debate over the so-calledpoliticisationof the countrys Armed Forces..

Given that personnel of the Armed Forces are held in high esteem, it should be a matter meriting admiration that post-retirement, people of thiscalibreare joining the hurly-burly of politics..

Moreover, it is important to note that there is no constitutional or statutory ban on service chiefs or other military personnel joining a political party after retirement...

As a service person, taking part in a political rally or joining a particular party is disallowed, but that in no way implies that service personnel cannot exercise their franchise as part of their fundamental rights.It istheorganisation that is apolitical, notthemembers..

Many retired military officers have successfully transitioned to politics, bringing their leadership skills and experience to the public arena.No doubtretiredArmedForces personnel have contributed significantly to national security and policy-making due to their extensive experience and discipline...

You might be interested in