Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sparked fresh controversy with a contentious statement regarding the Indian Army's command structure during an election rally in Bihar. His remarks, made at a crucial stage of the state's assembly elections, have drawn sharp criticism from the ruling party.

The Controversial Statement -

Addressing a rally in Aurangabad, Gandhi focused on the issue of representation in India's key institutions, Gandhi claimed that powerful individuals and those from "upper castes" head India's key institutions, including the bureaucracy and judiciary.

Targeting the Army: He extended this argument to the military, stating, "Look at the Indian Army... the top 10% of the population controls the Indian Army," implying a lack of representation for other communities in senior leadership roles.

Exclusion Claim: Gandhi argued that the 90% of the population, including the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Dalits, and minority communities, are excluded from major opportunities and top posts. He suggested that caste dynamics exist even within the armed forces.

The statement has fueled an intense political debate, particularly given its timing just one day before a crucial phase of voting in Bihar. Atomic Habits: The life-changing million copy bestseller Paperback – 18 October 2018

Political Backlash -

Gandhi's comments immediately drew a strong response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Amit Shah's Response: Union Home Minister Amit Shah quickly retaliated, mocking Gandhi by saying that the more he campaigns, the more it benefits the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

As the high-stakes Bihar Assembly elections reach a decisive phase, where political rhetoric is at its peak, Gandhi's remarks are seen by some as an attempt to mobilize marginalized voters, while others view it as an unnecessary politicization of a non-political institution like the Indian Army. Also Read: Bihar Elections: Curtain Falls on First Phase Campaigning; Foreign Delegation to Observe Polling