Former vice chief of army Sarath Chand joins BJP

New Delhi: Former vice chief of army staff Lieutenant General (retd) Sarath Chand joined the BJP Saturday in presence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Sarath Chand was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in June 1979 and retired as vice chief of Indian Army on June 1 last year.

He has been in active combat leadership roles at every stage of command in the Army.

"In today's global scenario, the country needs a strong leadership. I was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership that's why I am joining BJP," said Chand.

The BJP has done a lot for soldiers, he added.