Rahul Gandhi: Rajnath lied about compensation for slain Agniveers’ kin.
He insisted that the minister must apologize to them for the misinformation regarding compensation to slain Agniveers’ kin.
New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi Accuses Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of Lying About Compensation to Families of Martyred Agniveers
On Wednesday, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of misleading Parliament and the nation about the issue of compensation to the families of martyred Agniveers. Gandhi demanded an apology from Singh for allegedly providing false information.
Key Points of the Controversy:
- Allegation of Misinformation: Rahul Gandhi alleged that Rajnath Singh lied in Parliament regarding the compensation promised to the families of martyred Agniveers. According to Gandhi, Singh claimed that the government had given Rs 1 crore to the next of kin of the deceased Agniveers, a statement which Gandhi contends is false.
- Supporting Evidence: To support his claim, Gandhi shared a video on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). The video features the father of a deceased Agniveer who states that no such compensation was received by his family, despite Singh’s claims.
- Family’s Testimony: In the video shared by Gandhi, the father of the martyred Agniveer, Ajay Singh, directly contradicts the Defence Minister’s statement. He expressed gratitude towards Rahul Gandhi for raising the issue in Parliament, emphasizing that the promised compensation had not been delivered.
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Support: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also supported her brother’s allegations. She accused the BJP of disrespecting the sacrifice of families who have lost their sons in service to the country. She demanded that the Prime Minister apologize for misleading the public and insulting the martyrs.
- Rahul Gandhi’s Speech in Parliament: In his video, Rahul Gandhi reiterated that the protection of truth is the basis of every religion. He accused Rajnath Singh of lying about the compensation before Lord Shiva’s photo, thereby misleading the country, its armed forces, and the Agniveers.
- Rajnath Singh’s Rebuttal: In response to Gandhi’s allegations, Rajnath Singh intervened during the Lok Sabha session, defending the Agnipath military recruitment scheme. He stated that the scheme was implemented after consultations with 158 organizations, insisting that Gandhi was attempting to mislead Parliament without fully understanding the scheme.
- Agniveer Scheme Controversy: The Agnipath scheme, which facilitates short-term military recruitment, has been a point of contention. Gandhi criticized the scheme, arguing that it does not accord the status of “shaheed” (martyr) to fallen Agniveers and fails to provide adequate compensation to their families.
- Public Reactions: The controversy has sparked widespread debate on social media and in political circles. Supporters of Rahul Gandhi have praised him for advocating on behalf of the Agniveers and their families, while critics accuse him of politicizing a sensitive issue.
- Call for Apology: Both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have demanded that the Prime Minister and Rajnath Singh apologize to the families of martyred Agniveers and the public for allegedly misleading statements.
- Political Implications: The accusations and subsequent demands for an apology have intensified the ongoing political rivalry between the Congress and the BJP. Rahul Gandhi’s allegations have brought the Agnipath scheme and its implications back into the spotlight, raising questions about the government’s handling of military recruitment and compensation.
Detailed Account of the Events:
In a video message, Rahul Gandhi highlighted the importance of truth and transparency in governance. He accused Rajnath Singh of lying to the nation about the compensation provided to the families of martyred Agniveers. Referring to the testimony of Ajay Singh’s father, Gandhi emphasized that despite Singh’s claims, no compensation had been received.
Rahul Gandhi stated, “I mentioned in my speech in Parliament that the protection of truth is the basis of every religion. In response, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, before Lord Shiva’s photo, lied to the country, its armed forces, and Agniveers about compensation.” He called for an immediate apology from Singh to the families of martyred Agniveers, the armed forces, and the youth of the country.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, echoing her brother’s sentiments, accused the BJP of insulting the martyrdom of families who have sacrificed their sons for the nation. She criticized the government for allegedly lying in Parliament and demanded an apology from the Prime Minister.
The controversy began when Rahul Gandhi criticized the Agnipath scheme during the Lok Sabha session. He argued that the scheme does not provide adequate recognition or compensation to fallen Agniveers. In response, Rajnath Singh defended the scheme, stating that it was implemented after extensive consultations and is similar to recruitment models in other countries like the US and the UK.
Singh’s rebuttal included a request to the Lok Sabha Speaker to expunge Gandhi’s claims, accusing him of misleading the House. Singh said, “I would like to humbly request the leader of the opposition not to try to mislead Parliament. Regarding the Agniveer scheme, direct communication was established with many people, 158 organizations, their suggestions were taken, then this Agniveer scheme was brought.
After Singh’s rebuttal, Gandhi insisted that the truth lies with the Agniveers, who know the realities they face. He maintained his stance that Rajnath Singh had provided false information regarding compensation and demanded accountability.
The ongoing debate has significant implications for the Agnipath scheme and the broader discourse on military recruitment and welfare. Rahul Gandhi’s persistent advocacy on this issue underscores his commitment to addressing the concerns of Agniveers and their families. His demand for an apology reflects a broader call for transparency and truthfulness in governmental statements and actions.
As the political drama unfolds, the focus remains on the validity of the claims made by both parties. The demand for an apology and the insistence on truthful governance highlight the ongoing struggle for accountability in Indian politics.
Conclusion:
Rahul Gandhi’s allegations against Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding the compensation to families of martyred Agniveers have sparked a significant political controversy. The call for an apology underscores the need for transparency and accountability in government actions. As the debate continues, the focus on the welfare of Agniveers and their families remains a critical issue, reflecting broader concerns about military recruitment policies and the government’s commitment to its soldiers.