Rahul Gandhi appeals to President Murmu for justice for Agniveers

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, urging her to address what he describes as "discrimination" in the benefits provided to the families of Agniveers killed in action.

Gandhi's letter criticizes the Agnipath scheme, highlighting the disparity in the support given to the families of Agniveers compared to regular soldiers.

Gandhi pointed out that while policy matters typically fall under the jurisdiction of the elected government, he believes this issue warrants presidential intervention due to its impact on national security. As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Murmu holds a unique position that could address this pressing concern.

In his letter, Gandhi appealed for justice for Agniveers, emphasizing that these soldiers, who sacrifice their lives for the nation, deserve equal recognition and benefits as regular soldiers. He described the Agnipath scheme as fundamentally flawed, creating a "lesser" cadre of soldiers with lower pay, benefits, and prospects despite performing similar duties.

Gandhi recounted his recent visit to Ramgarh Sardaran village in Punjab, where he met the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who died in a landmine blast near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. Gandhi expressed heartbreak over Kumar's death and was shocked by the family's poverty and lack of support from the government. Unlike families of regular soldiers, Kumar's family did not receive a pension, medical facilities, educational assistance, or employment preference.

Highlighting the broader issue, Gandhi stated that the situation faced by Kumar's family is indicative of the plight of many Agniveers and their families, who are denied the respect and recognition given to regular soldiers. He stressed that this discrimination needs urgent attention from the highest office.

Gandhi reiterated that the Congress Party, along with its INDIA allies, has strongly opposed the Agnipath scheme and has vowed to repeal it if they come to power. He urged President Murmu to intervene, recognizing that while policy decisions are typically beyond presidential interference, this case's seriousness and her unique position justify an exception.

"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, emphasizing the duty to ensure the well-being of families like Ajay Kumar's.

Gandhi concluded by appealing to President Murmu to use her distinguished office to ensure Agniveer soldiers who lay down their lives receive the same benefits as any soldier who makes the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.