New Delhi: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the family of Agniveer Akshay Laxman Gawate, who died in the line of duty in Siachen last week, the chief minister’s secretariat said.
The chief minister also expressed his condolences to the bereaved family over the death of Gawate, as per the statement.
Gawate hailed from Pimpalgaon Sarai in Buldhana district of Maharashtra. He was the Agniveer to have laid down his life on duty.
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande and all ranks of the force had expressed grief over the death of Agniveer Gawate.
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Taking to X, army's Leh-headquartered Fire and Fury Corps posted, “All ranks of Fire and Fury Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of #Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman, in the line of duty, in the unforgiving heights of #Siachen and offer deepest condolences to the family.”
Meanwhile, the Congress and the BJP engaged in a war of words over the demise of Agniveer Gawate.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condoled the death and described the Agniveer as a scheme to “insult” the country’s bravehearts.
He lamented that no gratuity, military facilities, or pensions are extended to the families of Agniveer martyrs.
Refuting Rahul Gandhi’s allegations, BJP's IT cell head, Amit Malviya, said that Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman, having laid down his life in the line of duty, is entitled to a range of emoluments, including a non-contributory insurance benefit of Rs 48 lakh, an ex-gratia payment of Rs 44 lakh, and Seva Nidhi contributions from Agniveer (30%) and the government, along with associated interest.
"So, stop peddling #FakeNews. You are aspiring to be Prime Minister. Try and behave like one," the BJP leader said.