Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, intensified his criticism of the BJP’s Agnipath scheme during a roadshow in Ambala, Haryana. He accused the government of using the scheme to deny pensions to Agniveers, suggesting that it benefits industrialist Gautam Adani instead. Gandhi argued that while regular soldiers receive lifelong pensions, Agniveers will not, claiming the scheme is a ploy to take money from them. In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Agnipath initiative, promising jobs with pensions for Haryana’s Agniveers and labeling Gandhi a liar. The Haryana government has also announced job reservations and age relaxations for Agniveers, reinforcing support for the scheme amid the ongoing debate.
Rahul Gandhi Criticizes BJP Over Agnipath Scheme in Haryana
NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, intensified his criticism of the ruling BJP regarding the controversial Agnipath scheme during a recent roadshow in Ambala, Haryana. He expressed strong concerns that the scheme would deprive Agniveers, or candidates enrolled under the scheme, of their pensions, claiming that this move was designed to benefit industrialist Gautam Adani.
Speaking to supporters, Gandhi stated that the Agnipath scheme misleads young candidates, asserting that it would ultimately “steal away” their pensions. He argued that while traditional soldiers are entitled to pensions throughout their lives, Agniveers would be left without this financial security. Gandhi emphasized his belief that the scheme is a ploy to divert funds from soldiers’ pensions to benefit a wealthy elite, specifically targeting Adani.
In efforts to counter Gandhi’s claims, Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Agnipath initiative, promising that every Agniveer from Haryana would be guaranteed a government job with a pension. Shah labeled Gandhi a “machine of telling lies,” accusing him of misleading the youth about the scheme’s intentions. He reinforced the government’s commitment to provide job reservations and benefits to Agniveers, including a 10 percent reservation in certain state jobs and financial support for self-employment.
As the political battle intensifies in the lead-up to upcoming elections, the Agnipath scheme remains a hot topic of debate, with both sides vying for public support.
Tags: Rahul Gandhi, Agnipath Scheme, BJP, Haryana, Gautam Adani, Amit Shah, Indian Politics, Agniveers.
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What did Rahul Gandhi say about the Agniveer scheme?
Rahul Gandhi accused the government of launching the Agniveer scheme to take away pensions from soldiers. -
Who is benefiting from the Agniveer scheme, according to Gandhi?
He claims that the scheme is designed to help Adani, a major business tycoon in India. -
Why are pensions important for soldiers?
Pensions provide financial support to retired soldiers and their families, ensuring they can live comfortably after service. -
What is the government’s stand on this issue?
The government has not directly responded to these claims but usually defends the Agniveer scheme as a way to modernize the military. - How do people feel about the Agniveer scheme?
Opinions are mixed; some support it for job opportunities, while others are worried about losing benefits like pensions.
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