Debate Over Agnipath Scheme Intensifies Amid Kargil Vijay Diwas Commemoration

Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram criticizes the Agnipath scheme for lacking necessary training and benefits. PM Modi defends it as essential to modernizing the armed forces. Opposition pledges to abolish the scheme if elected. This debate coincides with the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

In a sharp critique of the Agnipath scheme, Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram stated that the initiative fails to strengthen the capacity or capability of India's armed forces. He argued the scheme represents a short-term induction lacking necessary training and benefits.

A professional army requires comprehensive training and a full commission, Chidambaram said, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent speech in Kargil where he endorsed the scheme as a 'necessary reform.' The Samajwadi Party's Awadhesh Prasad also condemned Agnipath, promising to abolish it within 24 hours should the opposition alliance, INDIA bloc, come to power.

'Our army has a glorious history, and it's unfortunate that the BJP government has introduced the Agnipath scheme. We will restore general recruitment immediately,' Prasad asserted. Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa highlighted growing security threats and questioned why PM Modi hasn't addressed issues such as drug smuggling and terrorist activities in J&K.

Earlier, during the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, PM Modi paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives in the conflict. He emphasized Agnipath's goal to maintain a young, fit force, adding that the army has long demanded such reforms. He criticized opposition parties for politicizing national security.

Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, marks the success of Operation Vijay in 1999, where Indian forces reclaimed strategic positions from Pakistani intruders in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies.)