Ajay Bhatt and PM Modi Defend Agnipath Scheme Against Opposition Criticism

New Delhi, India – BJP MP and former Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, on Friday accused opposition leaders of making false statements against the Agnipath scheme. He stated that the NDA government introduced the scheme after studying similar programs in other countries.

“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 said.

He added, “We brought this scheme after studying schemes across the world. When they come out of the force, they will have learned several techniques and come out with a diploma. They will be readily accepted anywhere. That is why we are saying that the Opposition is unmindful and irresponsible.”

PM Modi’s Address on Agnipath Scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the Agnipath scheme during his address in Ladakh’s Kargil on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. He highlighted that the goal of Agnipath was to make the Army young and fit for war, addressing long-standing demands for defense reforms.

“The country has felt the need for major reforms in the defense sector for decades. The army has been demanding this for years, but unfortunately, it was not given enough importance earlier. The Agnipath scheme is also an example of the necessary reforms done in the Army. For decades, discussions have been going on in Parliament and many committees on making the army young,” PM Modi said.

He criticized those misleading the youth, stating, “Those who are misleading the youth of the country. Their history is proof that they don’t care about soldiers. These are the same people who lied on OROP by showing a meager amount of Rs 500 crore. It is our government that implemented the charges. More than Rs 1.25 lakh crore was given to ex-servicemen.”

PM Modi also addressed concerns about the average age of soldiers, saying, “The average age of Indian soldiers being more than the global average has been a cause for concern. That is why this issue has also been raised in many committees for years. However, the will to solve this challenge related to the security of the country was not shown earlier. The country has addressed this concern through the Agnipath scheme.”

He concluded, “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.”