‘Matter of national…’: Rahul Gandhi attacks Modi govt over Agniveer, says Ajay Kumar’s family hasn’t got assistance

The Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday once again targeted the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre over the Agniveer scheme, reiterating that martyr Ajay Kumar's family has not received any assistance from the government till date.

The Congress leader's remark came after the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) issued a statement on its X handle on July 3 claiming that Ajay Kumar's family had already been paid ₹98.39 lakh.

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said the family of martyr Agniveer Ajay Kumar has not received any compensation from the government.

“There is a difference between 'Compensation' and ‘Insurance’. The payment has been made to the family of the martyr only by the insurance company,” said the Congress leader.

Gandhi added that the family of Ajay Kumar has not received the assistance that they should have received from the government.

“The family of every martyr who sacrifices his life for the country should be respected but the Modi government is discriminating against them. Whatever the government says, this is a matter of national security and I will keep raising it,” said Gandhi.

Responding to the ADGPI's post on compensation to Ajay Kumar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said the Indian Army was committed to the welfare of Agniveers.

‘Shut down scheme’

However, the family members of Ajay Kumar demanded that the government should shut down the Agniveer scheme.

"My brother lost his life for a job of four years. While the government promises Rs1 crore, can a family survive solely on that amount without him?" asked Kumar's sister.

What Indian Army said

In its post on X, ADGPI emphasised that the Indian Army salutes Agniveer Ajay Kumar's supreme sacrifice.

“The last rites were carried out with full Military Honours. Of the total amount due, family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid ₹98.39 lakhs. Ex-Gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately 67 lakhs, as applicable according to the provisions of the Agniveer Scheme, will be paid on Final Account Settlement shortly post due Police verification. The total amount will be ₹1.65 Cr approximately,” ADGPI stated.