Defence Ministry spokesperson sent on leave after her tweet angered military veterans
On Friday, October 26, Defence Minister spokesperson Swaranashree Rao Rajashekhar went on leave after her tweet angered military veterans. Col. Aman Anand took over as the acting official spokesperson of Ministry.
Defence Ministry said in a tweet, “Col. Aman Anand, took over as the acting Official Spokesperson of MOD as the Spokesperson proceeds on leave”.
Col. Aman Anand, took over as the acting Official Spokesperson of MOD as the Spokesperson proceeds on leave.
— Defence Spokesperson (@SpokespersonMoD) October 26, 2018
Rajashekhar criticized misuse of privileges by military officials in a tweet posted by her while responding to a comment by former Navy Chief. Her tweet angered military veterans and left defence ministry red faced.
Rajashekhar wrote on twitter, “What about misuse of jawans in your residence during an officer’s tenure sir? And how about children being picked up and dropped to school in Fauji (military) gaadis (vehicles)? Not to forget Madam’s shopping expedition on government vehicles. And endless parties…who pays for that?”.
Rajashekhara tweeted in response to the remarks of former Navy Chief Arun Prakash about the use of military flag on car of Internal Financial Advisor to the Western Command of the Army in Chandimandir, Haryana.
Arun Prakash tweeted, “Even if misuse of an Army Command’s insignia by a civilian is not a cognizable offence, the person needs to be reprimanded by the GOC in C whose ‘Financial Adviser’ he is”.
Rajashekhar deleted her tweet after angry response from military veterans saying, “The tweet was inadvertently done and the same is deeply regretted please”.
Retired Major General Harsha Kakar told Defence Minister in a tweet, “Is this inadvertent. It shows the true colours of your MoD Madam. You are meant to protect the military, not insult it. Keeping this spokesperson is an insult to India, its armed forces and their sacrifices. It shows no respect for senior veterans. Your spokesperson is a disaster”.
