Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday remarked that the Agniveer scheme disrespects the sacrifices made by India's brave soldiers. He asserted that the families of Agniveers, who lay down their lives for the nation, receive no pensions or other benefits, a charge that has been vehemently denied by the BJP.
Gandhi expressed his condolences after sharing a photograph of Agniveer Gavate Akshay Laxman and learning of his tragic demise in Siachen. In his statement, Gandhi conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the soldier's family, highlighting that a young man had made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Yet, Gandhi lamented that no gratuity, military facilities, or pensions are extended to the families of Agniveer martyrs. He went on to describe Agniveer as a scheme devised to insult India's heroes.
In response, the BJP's IT cell head, Amit Malviya, dismissed these allegations as baseless and irresponsible. He stated that Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman, having laid down his life in the line of duty, is indeed 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.
Furthermore, Malviya explained that the soldier's next of kin will receive pay for the remaining tenure from the date of his death, amounting to over Rs 13 lakh, in addition to a contribution of Rs 8 lakh from the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund.
"So, stop peddling #FakeNews. You are aspiring to be Prime Minister. Try and behave like one," the BJP leader remarked.
Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman, who hailed from Maharashtra, tragically lost his life in Siachen while serving in the Army's Leh-headquartered Fire and Fury Corps. Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, along with all ranks of the force, paid their respects to the fallen hero.