As the row between the government and Army chief Gen V K Singh worsened, Congress on Wednesday advocated a cautious approach as it felt that his dismissal was not an answer.
Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi also steered clear of Union Minister Vayalar Ravi's hard hitting attack on the army chief saying the incident reflected "frustrations" of an individual, who had to withdraw his petition on the age row in the Supreme Court.
Downplaying Ravi's remarks Alvi said, "Those who are dedicated to the country naturally feel the angst when they hear such things".
Asked specifically whether he endorsed what Ravi said, the Congress spokesperson kept on repeating "I have said whatever I had to say on the matter".
"Our view is that the issue related to armed forces is always very sensitive. To be commenting on it or making it a matter of public discussion has never been beneficial," party spokesperson Rashid Alvi said.
A party leader speaking on the condition of anonymity ruled out the possibility of dismissal of the Army chief "as of now" despite some opposition parties making this demand.
"Dismissal will create one more problem. It will set a wrong precedent. What impression will go outside if Army chief is dismissed. Even otherwise he is going to retire in the next two months. The Army Chief should carry on unless he creates some another problem in future," the leader said.
He at the same time found fault with the timing of the Army Chief's letter wrondering why the former did not choose to send it earlier.
On the controversy surrounding the Army Chief's statement that he was offered bribe, Alvi said it was for Gen V K Singh to pursue the case or make a complaint in writing if he wanted the Government to investigate the matter.
The Congress spokesman also refused to accept that the latest row shows a disconnect between the government and the forces saying that the matter concerned only one individual.
At the All India Congress Committee briefing, Alvi evaded a direct reply when asked what could be the next step of the government over the controversy.
"The government will take whatever action is required but it will be better if we do not discuss it. It is related to national security," he said.
He said India is a rising economic power in the world and while it has many friends, it has also some enemies keeping a close watch on the country. He also urged the media to be restrained in reporting such matters.
