BJP Defends Agnipath Scheme Amid Opposition Criticism

BJP MP Ajay Bhatt accused opposition leaders of spreading misinformation about the Agnipath scheme. He asserted that the scheme aims to reform and rejuvenate the Indian Army. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the Kargil Vijay Diwas anniversary, emphasized its significance for modernizing the defense forces.

BJP MP and former Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, on Friday alleged that opposition leaders are spreading falsehoods about the Agnipath scheme. Bhatt emphasized that the NDA government launched the program after extensive research into similar initiatives worldwide.

"Opposition is issuing incorrect statements again and again. What Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said is absolutely correct. Had there been something wrong, daughters would not have come for recruitment in such large numbers, and sons would not have come," Bhatt told ANI.

Highlighting the scheme, Prime Minister Modi, during the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas in Ladakh, mentioned that Agnipath aims to rejuvenate and maintain the army's fitness for warfare. He stressed that consistent reforms in the army have been a long-standing need.

"The country has felt the need for major reforms in the defence sector for decades. Discussions in Parliament and various committees on rejuvenating the army have been ongoing. Agnipath is a crucial step in this direction," Modi said during his address.

Modi criticized those misleading the youth, referencing their past actions as evidence of disregard for soldiers. He claimed that the previous administration deceived the public on OROP (One Rank, One Pension) and praised his government's financial commitment to ex-servicemen.

"The average age of Indian soldiers exceeding the global norm has long been a concern, addressed through the Agnipath scheme," Modi conveyed. He further asserted that for the BJP, the army symbolizes the trust of 140 crore Indians, stressing that Agnipath will ensure the army’s perpetual fitness for conflict.

"Some people used to think that the Army meant saluting politicians and doing parades but for us, the Army means the faith of 140 crore countrymen. The goal of Agnipath is to make the army young. The goal of Agnipath is to keep the army continuously fit for war," Modi added.