New Delhi July 26 2024 : In a heated exchange, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of engaging in “petty politics” during his Kargil Vijay Diwas address. The controversy erupted after PM Modi criticized the Opposition for opposing the Agnipath scheme, which he claimed was aimed at misleading the youth and weakening the Army.
Kharge, in a post on X, condemned the Prime Minister’s remarks, stating, “It is very unfortunate and deplorable that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is doing petty politics even on occasions like paying tribute to martyrs on Kargil Vijay Diwas. No Prime Minister has ever done this before.”
Kharge further challenged Modi’s assertion that the Agnipath scheme was implemented at the behest of the Army, calling it a “blatant lie” and an “unforgivable insult to our valiant Armed Forces.” He cited former Army Chief (Retd.) General MM Naravane, who reportedly stated that the scheme’s implementation was contrary to initial plans, with only 25% of recruits to be retained permanently after four years, contrary to the original proposal of 75%.
Kharge also claimed that the Modi government has prevented the publication of General Naravane’s book, which allegedly criticizes the Agnipath scheme as a surprise to the Army and a “bolt out of the blue” for the Navy and Air Force. He highlighted the concerns of several retired officers who have voiced strong opposition to the scheme, arguing that it endangers national security and the aspirations of rural youth. Kharge demanded that the scheme be scrapped, noting that Agniveers do not receive pensions or other benefits typically accorded to military personnel.
The Agnipath scheme, announced in June 2022, recruits personnel for the Indian armed forces for a four-year period, after which up to 25% of recruits, known as Agniveers, may receive permanent commissions subject to merit and other requirements.
In his address at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, PM Modi accused the Opposition of trying to mislead the youth with their criticism of Agnipath. He stated, “This shows that they do not care about the soldiers.”
Modi defended his government’s record, mentioning the implementation of One Rank One Pension and the construction of a war memorial. He criticized the previous government for failing to provide adequate resources for soldiers and accused them of attempting to weaken the military.
The Prime Minister also criticized Pakistan, asserting that the neighboring country “has not learned anything from history” and continues to rely on terrorism and proxy wars to remain relevant
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