Antony blames army for row, general agrees

Defence minister AK Antony on Tuesday blamed the army for the age controversy involving its chief Gen VK Singh, who agreed with the minister. HT reports.

Defence minister AK Antony on Tuesday blamed the army for the age controversy involving its chief Gen VK Singh, who agreed with the minister.

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Stressing that there was no confrontation between the civil and military authorities, Antony said, "For 36 years, two branches of the same institution maintained two dates of birth and that is why this controversy."

He said the government had no role in the controversy as the discrepancy was first noticed in 2006 by the army headquarters and reconciled at that level then and later in 2008 by two respective army chiefs.

Singh said the minister was "right" in noting that the army was responsible. "Absolutely, it is within the army. After 36 years, you suddenly decide to come up with an issue. There is something wrong with it."