New Delhi: In a scathing attack on the Centre over its Agnipath scheme for the short-term induction of soldiers into the armed forces, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserted that Agniveers under this scheme would not receive the status of martyrs or pension even if they sacrificed their lives in combat. Drawing a comparison with the extensive military training provided to Chinese troops over 3-4 years, Gandhi emphasised the disparity faced by Agniveers, who undergo only six months of training.


Gandhi also warned of potential consequences if these inadequately trained personnel were to confront Chinese soldiers, suggesting they would lay down their lives without recognition as martyrs.


Speaking at a rally during his ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Maharashtra's Dhule district, Gandhi, as quoted by ANI, said, “Chinese Army personnel get training to use modern weapons for 3-4 years. If our Agniveers, who are trained for six months, are made to face the Chinese soldiers, can you imagine what will happen then? Our Agniveer will go without training and lay down his life but still, he will not get the status of a martyr.”






He also criticised the Centre's intentions behind the Agnipath scheme, alleging its “desire to redirect pension funds and training expenses” towards private defence businesses.


Taking further potshots at the Centre, Gandhi accused the BJP-led government of neglecting crucial concerns such as unemployment and inflation while diverting public attention away from real problems.


During interactions with locals in Dondaicha village, Gandhi advocated for conducting a caste census, deeming it a significant and transformative initiative. He reiterated the Congress party's commitment to conducting such a census if it assumes power, asserting its importance in understanding and addressing socio-economic disparities.


The Congress leader also lambasted the unequal distribution of wealth in the country, highlighting stark inequalities where a small fraction of the population possesses a disproportionate amount of wealth compared to the majority.


"Fifty per cent of the population has three per cent of the country's wealth while 22 people have more than 50 per cent wealth. Since you don't ask questions, your attention can easily be diverted," PTI quoted Gandhi as saying.


Notably, his Nyay Yatra entered its final leg in Maharashtra, scheduled to conclude in Mumbai on March 17.