In a sudden move, the Government of India has dismissed the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat, on the specious excuse of national security. The termination of a serving chief of staff is an unprecedented action by the government, which raises a lot of questions and apprehensions. Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee was not able to present any valid reason for this unwanted decision. Nobody is ready to believe that the appointment of his deputy to succeed him was the factor behind Admiral Bhagwat's termination. The Prime Minister and Defence Minister can take a proper initiative to resolve the issue. Disputes over appointments in the security forces have became court issues in the recent past. Even the Defence Ministry has failed to convince the court over the decision on some appointments in the armed forces. Unclean political authority, which means that the government has supremacy over the armed forces, has violated the policy and guidelines of our Constitution. But the integrity and separate identity of the forces should be maintained for its structure and strength. Such actions by the Government is creating the situation where the government can be accused for communal-political motivation and corrupt politics. Admiral Bhagwat’s wife has openly accused the government that her husband was a victim of communal politics. She also alleged the involvement of high ranks in arms deal which led to the removal of Admiral Bhagwat. Not only the change in chief of army, Central government is reshuffling the key posts in a quick move. Mr. M.K. Bezbarua Director Enforcement, Delhi Zone has been removed within three days of the new year. This reshuffle clearly proves that the Central Government wants "Yes Men" in its civil and military administrations. Any denial, any questioning of their ill motives, and the BJP Government starts taking action unconstitutionally that is the main threat to our democracy now.

4^{th January 1999.}