An Ex-servicemen association today accused former army chief and SAD candidate from Patiala JJ Singh for "demeaning the Army and the high gubernatorial office for petty political gains" even as Singh said he is contesting the polls to serve the people.
In a statement issued, the India Ex Servicemen Joint Action Front Sanjha Morcha hit out at Singh, terming him as an "opportunist officer" who always "hungered for publicity and indulged in shamelessly brazen display of rank".
"With his decision to contest the Punjab Assembly elections, the General had not only downgraded the status of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) but also disgraced the high office of Governor - both positions given to him by the UPA government," said the ex-servicemen group, led by Sanjha Morcha chief patron Lt Gen J S Dhaliwal in a release here.
Former Army Chief Gen J J Singh yesterday joined the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal and would take on Punjab Congress President Capt Amarinder Singh from Patiala urban seat in the February 4 state assembly elections.
Meanwhile, Singh today slammed the group for accusing him of entering politics for "petty political gains".
"What political gains? I have joined political party to serve people and people are appreciating my move," the former army chief said this evening.
"Why they are bothered," Singh asked the representatives of the ex-servicemen front, accusing them of being a "motivated group".
He alleged that they are being instigated by Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh as they do not have any issue against him.
"I carry no baggage and Captain Amarinder Singh is now feeling that he can lose elections. Therefore, he is instigating such groups to speak against me," alleged Singh.
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