Former IAF Chief and BJP leader R.K.S. Bhadauria has trashed Rahul Gandhi's claim of compensation not being paid to slain Agniveer Ajay Singh. He said military issues should not be given a political colour. Bhadauria added that the Indian Army has put out a factual position providing clarification and information on ex-gratia payments made to the family of deceased soldier.
He said, "Agniveers are as much a part of the Indian Army as any other soldier would be, with the same compensation and treatment, just without pension benefits." Advising the youth not to get swayed by political influence, he called upon them to have faith in the Army and make sure they know the rules of a military force before the induction.
“I want to assure the youth that Agniveers are part of the Indian Army,” he said, adding that an Agniveer gets equal treatment and compensation like a normal soldier, except pension.
“Have faith in the Indian Army, do not follow politics, and read the rules and laws yourself before joining the Army,” the former IAF chief said.
He further confirmed that, as regards financial support, a sum of Rs 98 lakh had already been disbursed to the family of Ajay Singh, and an additional amount of Rs 67 lakh is estimated to be disbursed; hence, the total shall be Rs 1.65 crore in support.
“In this way, Rs 1.65 crore will be given to the family of Ajay Singh,” he said.
