THE NATION ◆ VISHNU BHAGWAT

Photographs by SHARAD SAXENA naval officials, but also bypassed the Appointments Committee of the Cabi- net (ACC). Instead, Bhagwat was re- “Members of the Promotion warded with promotions. Board expressed serious concern Consider these facts: In April 1990, over the manner in which the VOYAGE OF as rear , Bhagwat was charged flag officer had filed a writ peti- with making copies of two confidential tion in the Bombay High Court letters from a file kept in the office of the in September 1990 for not hav- Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief ing been assigned the command (West) who at that time was away in of the ... In doing so Delhi attending a commander’s conference. Still later, an incensed the flag officer had not displayed INTRIGUE Naval Headquarters served Bhagwat a the requisite degree of maturity, notice seeking explanation for his judgement and leadership quali- The sacked naval chief is attacking the very intemperate remarks against his ties commensurate with his high seniors and senior officers of the MOD. rank. Under these circum- civilian authority that patronised him in the past Bhagwat denied the charges. With stances, the Board was of the investigation pending, Bhagwat was opinion that his acceptability in denied command of any fleet. He hit the higher ranks within the services was very low... The Board By PRABHU CHAWLA his native town or retired without be- back by filing a writ petition in the unanimously decided that he would not be selected for coming chief of naval staff. Because his Bombay High Court seeking his promotion to the rank of Vice-Admiral Grade R.” “THE APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE superiors felt that Bhagwat had “not appointment as fleet commander. of the Cabinet can reject my recom- displayed the qualities commensurate Naval Headquarters considered this mendation but it cannot make a suo moto with his high rank”. an act of gross indiscipline on the part ADMIRAL L. RAMDAS appointment.’’ Investigation by TODAY reveals of Bhagwat and in November 1990, the Chief of Naval Staff, on May 22, 1992 Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat, to a sordid tale of political and adminis- then chief of naval staff J.G. Nadkarni The Asian Age, on January 4, 1999 trative manipulations over several served a “Letter of Severe Displeasure” years, the sole beneficiary of which was valid for three years on Bhagwat. Later OMBATIVE WORDS, BUT THE Bhagwat. Ironically, Bhagwat would the same month, Nadkarni wrote to the dismissed admiral may never perhaps have been dismissed from ser- defence minister suggesting that the like the real story about his vice as early as 1991 if not for the sup- services of Bhagwat be terminated for the manner in which he has conducted chief.’’ Earlier, Ramdas had reduced the own elevation to the highest port and connivance of the MOD his alleged misdemeanours. himself in the past... Ramdas wanted “severe displeasure” period from three Cpost in the navy to be known to civilians he is now directing his wrath That could well have happened had me to request the defence minister that years to one year, thus making Bhagwat the public. If the Cabinet or the Min- at. Faced with serious charges and the not the civilians in the MOD kept the file no further action need be taken against eligible for his next promotion. istry of Defence (MOD) had even once ire of his superiors, Bhagwat’s career pending for over nine months. In the Bhagwat as he has already suffered Initially, Pawar appeared unmoved heeded the recommendations of any of was saved by the bureaucracy and the meantime, Nadkarni retired and Admi- severe displeasure awarded by the for- by such petitions. On August 16, he his former bosses, Bhagwat would political leadership. In his case, they not ral L. Ramdas took over as the chief of mer chief of naval staff and had been summoned Vohra and Ramdas for have been either cooling his heels in only ignored adverse reports of senior naval staff. Bhagwat had over the years adequately reprimanded by the present discussions and questioned them about developed excellent rapport with Ram- the adverse impact on the services “if all das and by April 1991, Bhagwat had the issues relating to the conduct of “There are four courses of action withdrawn his writ petition. HIGHS AND LOWS Bhagwat were formally closed”. When open to deal with the misconduct of Fortune started smiling again on Ramdas assured him that he would be Bhagwat when in June 1991, the Con- “keeping a close watch on the conduct Flag Officer Bhagwat. They are (a) to ■ April ’90: Bhagwat makes gress government of P.V. Narasimha Rao copies of confidential letters of Bhagwat”, Pawar relented and the invoke the pleasure of the President took charge at the Centre. Among the Bhagwat case was given a quiet burial. as enshrined in Article 310 of the first things new defence minister Sharad kept in office of FOC-in-C West. For Bhagwat, this was like crossing Constitution ... (b) to initiate action Pawar discussed with then defence sec- ■Sep ’90: Bhagwat files writ in a major hurdle. But several others for dismissal, discharge or retire him retary N.N. Vohra was the Bhagwat case. Bombay High Court for appoint- remained. There was, for one, opposi- from the Naval service under Section A Mumbaiite, Pawar was fully aware of ment as fleet commander. tion from within the navy. In May 1992, 15(2) of the Navy Act ... (c) to place the antecedents of Bhagwat and while when Naval Headquarters forwarded the Flag Officer on the retired list in he expressed his displeasure over the rear ■ Nov ’90: Admiral Nadkarni three names for promotion to the rank terms of Regulation 179(2)... (d) to admiral’s behaviour, he did not follow up serves “Severe Displeasure” of vice-admiral, Bhagwat’s name was Court martial him under the Navy Nadkarni’s recommendation for his dis- notice, suggests termination of not in the list. When the six-member missal. Instead, he directed Vohra to dis- Bhagwat’s service. Promotion Board headed by Admiral Act and pending investigation and cuss the whole issue with Ramdas and Ramdas met on May 22, even the naval trial, suspend him under Regulation take suitable steps. ■ Dec ’90: Nadkarni retires. chief was unable to carry his colleagues 91. Since options in sub paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) are time con- Far from being dismissed, the Ramdas is new CNS. along. Bhagwat’s exclusion from the list STANDING SMALL: If suming and would not send the deterrent message down the was explained thus: “... he has not dis- bureaucratic confabulations actually ■ Bhagwat’s case comes line to all ranks in the navy ... I recommend that the services led to Bhagwat’s rehabilitation in the April ’91: Bhagwat played the requisite degree of maturity, up in court, it could of Real Admiral V. Bhagwat be immediately terminated navy. Pawar decided to drop action withdraws writ in court. judgement and leadership qualities open a can of worms under Section 15(1) of the Navy Act”. against Bhagwat when he was told by ■ Sep ’92: Promoted as commensurate with his high rank and both Vohra and Ramdas that Bhagwat vice- admiral. seniority. The Board is of the opinion ADMIRAL J.G.NADKARNI would mend his ways. On July 31, that his acceptability in the higher ranks 1991, Vohra wrote to the defence min- ■ Sep ’96: Appointed CNS. is very low.” Chief of Naval Staff, on November 26, 1990 But the MOD ister, “Admiral Ramdas has informed ■ , which Bhagwat me that he has admonished Bhagwat in Dec ’98: Sacked as CNS. considers his nemesis now, was not a meeting of all senior officials about amused with the Naval Headquarters’

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the light of Parliament and is still marked top secret. Its contents, how- “The Raksha ever, are leaked out in generous doses. Mantri was Curiously, all the three principal ac- seriously con- HORNET’S NESTtors—politicians, bureaucrats and cerned that a the military—were so far not keen on senior uni- The defence minister’s promise of reform is timely its speedy implementation. Politicians formed official but it is likely to run into rough weather because the deep-seated fear of a mil- had resorted to itary coup still persists among them publicly airing and the reforms may heighten such his grievances worries. Bureaucracy because it wants to continue to have all the au- leading to the thority without much accountability. general And the military because it could lay Ignoring the advice of the Promotion Board, impression that the blame for its shortcomings on the the then prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao there is inade- shackles imposed on it. approved the recommendation of his quate discipline in our armed forces. Raksha Meanwhile, the “crisis of confi- defence minister Sharad Pawar elevating Mantri observed that while he had taken due dence”, as former chief of air staff Bhagwat as vice-admiral. The promotion note of the assurances given by the chief of S.K. Mehra terms the confrontation naval staff, he was still doubtful about between the Ministry of Defence and did not have the sanction of the Appointments Committee of the the signal we may be sending to the the service chiefs, has reached seri- three service chiefs in case it was ous levels especially in financial Cabinet, a mandatory provision under matters. In 1997-98 although the the rules of the government. Pawar had decided to fully rehabilitate Rear army was sanctioned Rs 560 crore forwarded Bhagwat’s file to the prime minis- Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat considering towards modernisation of its forces, ter stating that “in our view, Rear Admiral the nature of the allegations he had because of bureaucratic toing and Bhagwat deserves to be considered for pro- publicly raised and the consequent froing of files, only Rs 60 crore was motion as he has a good record of service”. publicity thereof ...” spent up to March 20, 1998. Then in what the military term as the P.V.N. RAO andS.PAWAR N.N.VOHRA “Rush of March” syndrome, in the Approved Bhagwat’s promotion in 1992. Secretary, Ministry of Defence, on July 31, 1991 remaining 11 days of the financial year Rs 396 crores was spent. But this time General V.P. Malik, the chief OPENING UP A NEW FRONT: of army staff, put his foot down. Fernandes and Vajpayee He decided to surrender Rs 104 assessment of Bhagwat. After sitting P.V.Narasimha Rao, who pondered over the senior-most vice-admiral. crore rather than be party to such on the file for over three months, the it for a month before clearing Bhag- Politicians and civil authorities disorderly purchases. ministry chose to act in his favour even wat’s appointment as vice-admiral. On indulged him after Bhagwat took over VER HEARD OF A CURABLE Others are plain cynical. They Much of the armed forces’ anger though his name had not been sug- September 15, Bhagwat was suo moto as the chief of naval staff. He had a per- optimist? Well, Union Defence have good reason to be. In 1990 a stems from the unnecessary bureau- gested. Vohra, obviously acting under appointed deputy chief of naval staff at sonal dislike for Vice-Admiral Sushil Minister may Committee on Defence Expenditure cratic delays in the most minor of pur- orders, made a strong case for Bhag- Naval Headquarters. Kumar (now the chief of naval staff), Esoon end up as one. Last week, headed by Arun Singh, former Union chases and also the fact that on wat’s promotion as vice-admiral. On According to the MOD records, Bhag- who was posted as deputy chief of even as the storm caused in the wake minister of state for defence, among matters that require professional August 5, he wrote to Pawar, “The offi- wat’s was perhaps the only appoint- naval staff at Naval Headquarters. of Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat’s sum- other things called for the integration expertise they are not involved cer has shown professional compe- ment in the history of the navy in which Bhagwat tried to ease him out of Naval mary dismissal refused to blow over, of the armed forces headquarters directly in the decision-making tence and displayed qualities of neither the chief of naval staff nor the Headquarters by proposing that Vice- Fernandes began a fresh battle. He with the ministry so that the military process. Even the purchase of such leadership ... nothing adverse has ACC had any say. In case Bhagwat’s dis- Admiral R. Jacob replace him as the promised to implement by the was brought into the decision- things as bullet-proof jackets entails come to the notice of the government. missal comes under judicial scrutiny, it deputy chief. But the then prime month-end a decade-old plan to re- making process on crucial issues protracted bureaucratic clearances In our view Bhagwat deserves to be will be like opening a can of worms. minister I.K. Gujral felt that since structure the Ministry of Defence and such as finance. It also severely cur- and humiliating cross-questioning considered for promotion as he has a Sushil Kumar had just a few months of make the civilian bureaucracy and tailed the role of the bureaucracy. from poorly informed officials. Sim- good service record and the acceptabil- HAGWAT’S career in the navy service left, he should not be disturbed. the military brass function more The report to this day has not seen ply put, the military hierarchy feels ity argument against his selection is a was soon cruising along. In mid- However, former home minister cohesively and with less rancour. marginalised. Admiral R.H. Tahil- value judgement.” Consequently, November 1994, when two Indrajit Gupta stepped in to get the His intentions are certainly iani, the former chief of naval staff, Bhagwat’s name was added to the list of Bvacancies of flag officer com- prime minister’s approval to move out timely. Now more than at any other CAN GEORGE DO IT? says, “The uniformed fraternity must candidates for promotion and within manding-in-chief fell vacant, Bhagwat Sushil Kumar as the chief of the South- period the need for speedy reform is be involved in major decisions be- 48 hours Pawar had put his stamp of was once again in the race by virtue of ern Command. The shift effectively critical. But many believe his assess- ■ More prominent role for the cause they get it in the neck if any- approval on the proposal. his seniority. But his past was still sealed his prospects of becoming the ment of the time this would take is military in decision-making thing goes wrong.” Adds S.K. Sareen, There was just one more hurdle to haunting him. Admiral Shekhawat, navy chief and Kumar would perhaps impractical. Some, like Air Com- process on crucial issues. who recently retired as the chief of air be crossed. The appointments of vice- who had by then taken over as chief of have retired had the retirement age modore (retired) Jasjit Singh, direc- staff: “There must be in the ministry admirals are cleared by the ACC. Pawar naval staff, is said to have suggested his not been raised from 58 to 60. tor, Institute for Defence Studies and ■ To end bureaucratic delays those who speak in the same did not seem keen to follow the estab- name for FOC-in-C (Southern Com- The sordid tale of intrigue ends Analyses, assert that such a hurry to the forces are demanding a frequency as the forces at the other lished procedures and told Vohra that mand) with “great hesitation” because with poetic justice. Today Kumar is implement changes may even be greater say in finances. end.” Fernandes is now working the file relating to Bhagwat should be Bhagwat didn’t enjoy the trust and con- firmly in the chair he almost lost. The counter-productive. His point: “Such towards such an integration. But sent directly to the prime minister. fidence of his colleagues. And when only difference appears to be that the restructuring should not be a revolu- ■ Balancing civilian control there are bets already out on whether Pawar said that the prime minister had Shekhawat retired on September 30, civil authority which catapulted tionary process but an evolutionary and autonomy for forces. it is going to end up as his Waterloo. agreed to bypass the ACC because of the 1996, the then defence minister Bhagwat to such a high pedestal one done in phases.” —RAJ CHENGAPPA sensitive nature of the appointments. Mulayam Singh Yadav made Bhagwat eventually got the better of him by On August 9, the file was sent to the chief of naval staff because he was pulling him down. ■

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