ASSEMBLY POLL '98
COMMENTARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
YEH HAI INDIA!
ELECTIONS '98
ARCHIVES

'The decision shows a total lack of sensitivity towards the morale of the navy'

Admiral R H Tahiliani (retired)

I think it is terrible, totally unwarranted. The decision shows a total lack of sensitivity towards the morale of the navy and the other two services.

Differences of opinion have always existed between the government and the chiefs of staff, but they are healthy.

I am not going to suggest that when a chief of naval staff makes a recommendation, it is binding on the government, but the government cannot force the chief of naval staff to accept a deputy in whom he has no confidence.

I think the biggest fault lies with the government. The defence minister should have called the chief of naval staff and the defence secretary and sorted out the differences. It should have been sorted out via discussion.

The armed forces have over the years not demonstrated any ambition to rule this country. India can only be ruled by a democratically elected government.

But today's events have sapped the morale of the services.

This is based on an interview Admiral R H Tahiliani, former Chief of the Naval Staff, granted Star News on Wednesday night.

Tell us what you think of this report