Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, took another swipe at the BJP-led government on Friday regarding the ongoing Agniveer controversy. He highlighted that the family of Agniveer member Ajay Kumar, who perished in a landmine explosion in Naushera, Jammu & Kashmir in January, has yet to receive any compensation. Gandhi emphasized, “there is a difference between compensation and insurance,” and accused the Modi government of “discriminating” against the Agniveers who sacrificed their lives for the nation by not providing adequate support.
Rahul Gandhi’s Statement On X
Taking to X, the Rae Bareli MP wrote, “The family of martyr Agniveer Ajay Kumar has not received any compensation from the government till date. There is a difference between ‘Compensation’ and ‘Insurance’; the payment has been made to the family of the martyr only by the insurance company. The family of martyr Ajay Kumar has not received the assistance that they should have received from the government. The family of every martyr who sacrifices his life for the country should be respected but the Modi government is discriminating against them. Whatever the government says, this is a matter of national security and I will keep raising it. INDIA will never allow the coalition forces to weaken.”
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Origins Of The Latest Agniveer Controversy
The latest Agniveer controversy began on July 3, when Rahul Gandhi released a video featuring the father of an Agniveer. The father alleged that the family had not received any compensation or assistance from the Centre following his son’s death in the January landmine explosion in Naushera, Jammu and Kashmir.
Gandhi stated on X, “Defence minister Rajnath Singh lied in Parliament about the assistance given to the family of the martyred Agniveer. Martyr Agniveer Ajay’s father has himself told the truth and exposed their lies. The defence minister should apologise to the Parliament, the country, the army and the family of the martyr.”
In the video shared by Gandhi, Ajay Kumar’s father is heard saying, “We have got nothing from the Centre but some help from the Punjab government. The defence minister said in Parliament that Rs. 1 crore is given to the family if an Agniveer dies, but we have received nothing. Rahul Gandhi is raising the issue…this scheme should be scrapped.”
Indian Army’s Response
Hours later, the Indian Army responded by refuting the Congress leader’s claims. The Army stated, “It is emphasised that the Indian Army salutes the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar. The last rites were carried out with full Military Honours. Of the total amount due, a family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs. 98.39 lakhs. Ex-Gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately Rs. 67 lakhs, as applicable according to the provisions of the Agniveer Scheme, will be paid on Final Account Settlement shortly post due Police verification. The total amount will be Rs. 1.65 Cr approximately.”
During his address in the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi criticized the Agnipath Scheme, asserting that it originated from the PMO rather than the Indian Army and was conceived by the Prime Minister. He likened it to demonetisation and stated that if the INDIA bloc comes to power, it will abolish the Agniveer scheme.