On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure from the Congress party, vocally criticized the government's Agniveer recruitment strategy, suggesting it unfairly treats those who sacrifice their lives in service. He voiced his concerns during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Raebareli, a constituency represented by his mother, Sonia Gandhi, and a former Congress president.
Gandhi expressed dismay that individuals enlisted through the Agniveer scheme are denied the recognition and benefits traditionally accorded to full-time soldiers, including martyr status. He highlighted the lack of support and financial assistance for the families of these soldiers, noting that the majority of Agniveers are discharged after four years, leaving them without long-term security.
He further accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misappropriating funds intended for Agniveers, alleging that these resources are being diverted to benefit Modi's associates. The Agnipath scheme, introduced on June 14, 2022, aims to recruit young individuals between 17.5 and 21 years for a four-year tenure, with only a quarter offered an extension.
Gandhi also insinuated that the BJP government employs distractions, such as national security and cultural issues, to shift public focus from more pressing matters, likening the tactic to a pickpocket's sleight of hand. He directly named Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing the latter of misusing enforcement agencies to intimidate.
The day also saw Gandhi being warmly received by Congress supporters in Bachhrawan, Raebareli, while encountering protests from BJP supporters.
In his speeches, Gandhi addressed his temporary disqualification from the Lok Sabha, a result of a defamation case conviction, which was later paused by the Supreme Court, restoring his parliamentary membership.
He underscored the necessity of conducting a caste census to escape the BJP's political strategies, a commitment that remains a priority in the Congress party's agenda.
During a public gathering in Lucknow, Gandhi drew attention to economic and social injustices, using the example of a Chinese-manufactured phone to illustrate how local Indian youth are sidelined in favor of foreign profits.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which Gandhi champions, received backing from a delegation of NRIs associated with the Congress' overseas wing in Amethi, showing widespread support for his campaign. The yatra is set to proceed to Unnao, as confirmed by the Uttar Pradesh Congress committee.
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