After the mortal remains of India’s first CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat were brought to their residence, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda, senior leaders cutting across party lines and other dignitaries gathered to pay their last respects.
After paying homage, BJP national vice-president Baijayant Panda expressed how Rawat’s untimely demise has left the entire country in deep shock. Panda also remembered his recent interaction with General Rawat where they discussed about review and revamp of the NCC and other crucial matters.
Panda said, "This is an extremely tragic incident. I had recently met General Rawat in person regarding the revamp of the NCC Committee, of which I have been made the Chairperson. General Rawat was a very simple and down-to-earth person. With his experience, the suggestions that he had given for the NCC were very practical and we are also implementing the same. It is a great loss for the country since he was an outstanding soldier."
"After independence, among all the changes being implemented in our Armed Forces, this (appointment of first CDS of country) was a major initiative, aimed at giving a combined leadership to our Armed Forces - Army, Navy and Air Force. His role in the surgical strike and in the Balakot air strike has had a huge impact on the terrorist attacks on India. This is an irreparable loss. The entire country is shocked after this incident", he added.