New Delhi: Agnipath scheme has sparked a fiery debate in the Lok Sabha, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Rajnath Singh at the center of the confrontation. The contentious issue took the spotlight during discussions on the Budget, leading to a heated exchange between the two political heavyweights.Rahul Gandhis criticismDuring his speech on the Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Leader of Opposition(LoP) Rahul Gandhi criticized the Agnipath scheme, claiming it deprives soldiers and their families of financial security and respect. Gandhi pointed to the absence of a pension for soldiers under this scheme, arguing that it reflects the governments anti-youth and anti-farmer stance.Rajnath Singhs responseUnion Minister Rajnath Singh responded to Gandhis allegations by accusing him of spreading misinformation. Singh defended the scheme, stating that Gandhis claims were misleading and that Finance Minister Sitharaman would address the misconceptions in her forthcoming speech. He emphasized that the Agnipath scheme provides significant financial assistance to the families of Agniveers who die in the line of duty.Heated exchange on Agnipath schemeThe debate intensified when Gandhi cited the case of an Agniveer who lost his life in a landmine blast, arguing that the soldier was not recognized as a martyr and that his family would not receive a pension or compensation. Gandhis comments provoked strong reactions from BJP members, with Singh asserting that the government provides ₹1 crore in financial aid to the families of fallen Agniveers.Rahul Gandhi later highlighted the case of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who died in service. Posting a video of Kumars father, Gandhi claimed that the family had not received any compensation from the central government and demanded that the Agnipath scheme be scrapped. However, Ajay Kumars family later clarified that they had received some compensation but called for additional benefits, including hero status, a pension, and a canteen card.
