In the midst of the raging row over his age, Army Chief VK Singh on Sunday said he has "no clue" of any early resolution even as he appreciated the confidence reposed in him by Defence Minister AK Antony.
"I have got no clue. I am working as I am," he told reporters on the sidelines of Army Day parade in Delhi on being asked whether he expected the age controversy to be resolved soon.
Gen Singh has two sets of date of birth in the official records- May 10, 1950 and May 10, 1951.
He has been contending that May 10, 1951 should be treated as his actual date of birth as it was mentioned in his matriculation certificate.
But the Defence Ministry rejected it, holding that May 10, 1950 is the date as entered in his UPSC entrance form for National Defence Academy (NDA). By the government decision, he will retire on May 31 this year.
To a volley of questions, Gen Singh said he did not want to give any spin or to give "any more wings" and felt there is no requirement for him to comment on the matter as it will get misinterpreted.
On the confidence expressed by Defence Minister in him, regardless of the age issue, he said, "I don't want to say anything. He has expressed his confidence and I am following that. Earlier also I have said that I am working for the organisation. I appreciate his confidence and will try to stand upto that."
Asked whether he thinks the issue has been settled by the Defence Ministry, he said, "Why do you want a clarity? I have said this is an issue that should be allowed to rest, and not become public debate. So there is no requirement to give it any spin, or to give it any more wings than what it actually is."
The Army Chief, who had earlier held that the issue was that of integrity and honour, did not want to be drawn into making further comments.
"I think I have already said a lot of things on this subject. Actually there is no requirement for me to say anything on this subject. The reason is that, whatever I say will either be misinterpreted or interpreted in a manner in which somebody will write it."
