The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written a two-page letter to President Droupadi Murmu, urging her to intervene in the Agnipath scheme, which he claims discriminates against the families of slain Agniveer soldiers. Gandhi’s letter appeals for justice for Agniveers, who serve the nation and risk their lives, but receive fewer benefits compared to regular soldiers.
Gandhi’s letter to the President highlights the perceived flaws in the Agnipath scheme, emphasizing the creation of a ‘lesser’ cadre of soldiers expected to perform similar tasks as regular soldiers but with lower pay, benefits, and prospects. He asserts that this discrimination is a fundamental flaw that demands urgent attention.
“The discrimination in the nature and extent of benefits accorded to the families of our slain Agniveers, compared to regular soldiers, warrants your urgent attention,” Gandhi wrote. He called on President Murmu to use her unique position as the Supreme Commander of India’s Armed Forces to address this issue, despite typically not interfering in policy matters.
Gandhi stressed that this injustice is why the Congress Party and its INDIA allies strongly oppose the Agnipath scheme and have promised to repeal it if they come to power. He urged the President to consider the serious implications of this discrimination on national security and the morale of young soldiers who risk their lives.
“Is this discrimination against our Agniveer martyrs not a risk to our national security? Is it not a grave injustice to our youth who bravely risk their lives to serve?” Gandhi asked in his letter. He appealed to the President to ensure that Agniveers receive the same benefits as any soldier who makes the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
The letter concludes with Gandhi’s call for justice for Agniveer soldiers, urging the President to take action to rectify the disparities in benefits and support for these brave individuals.
