Army veterans see red over Rajya Sabha marshals' military greens

The makeover for marshals of the Rajya Sabha, coinciding with the 250th session of the House on Monday, has attracted headlines. However, the change from traditional Indian attire to 'military-style' uniforms has not impressed many former personnel of the armed forces.

Retired general Ved Prakash Malik, who was Army chief during the Kargil War of 1999, tweeted about the attire change on Monday evening and referred to such "copying" of military uniforms by non-military personnel as "illegal and a security hazard". Malik also tagged Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, seeking action from them.

Malik tweeted, "Copying and wearing of military uniforms by non military personnel is illegal and a security hazard. I hope @VPSecretariat, @RajyaSabha & @rajnathsingh ji will take early action."

General V.P. Malik was not the only Army chief to express displeasure. Former Army chief and current Union minister of the BJP V.K. Singh was quoted by NDTV as saying the Rajya Sabha uniform change was "illegal".

Retired colonel Sanjay Pande heaped scorn on the change in attire of Rajya Sabha marshals. Referring to features of the new uniform, Pande tweeted, "Why is there a peak cap? Purpose? Peak cap will beat one worn by Army chief. A laneyard? Purpose? Colonial Ceremonial Coat? Purpose? Can we get over past? It’s Rajya Sabha STAFF not a combat force. Indian attire smartly designed will leave lasting mark."

Retired Lt-general Vinod Bhatia, who was director of the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, noted it had unfortunately "become fashionable to dress like the armed forces".

Retired Lt-general H.S. Panag, who is a noted strategic analyst, alluded to the perceived politicisation of the Army, while reacting to the change of uniforms of Rajya Sabha marshals. Panag tweeted, "Who minds ‘brass hats’ at beck and call in Rajya Sabha, when the real ‘brass hats’ have set the pace!"