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The Delhi High Court on Thursday refused to stay the Agnipath scheme for recruitment in the armed forces and asked the Centre to file a reply on a batch of petitions challenging it.
A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad asked the Centre to file a consolidated reply on petitions challenging the scheme.
The Agnipath scheme announced on June 14 provides for recruitment of youths in the defence forces between the age of 17-and-a-half and 21 for only four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years.
Protests had erupted in several states soon after the scheme was announced last month.
Later, the government extended the upper age limit to 23 years for recruitment under the scheme in 2022.

Agnipath scheme: Delhi HC refuses stay, asks Centre to respond

A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad asked the Centre to file a consolidated reply on petitions challenging the scheme.

A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad asked the Centre to file a consolidated reply on petitions challenging the scheme.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday refused to stay the Agnipath scheme for recruitment in the armed forces and asked the Centre to file a reply on a batch of petitions challenging it.
A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad asked the Centre to file a consolidated reply on petitions challenging the scheme.
The Agnipath scheme announced on June 14 provides for recruitment of youths in the defence forces between the age of 17-and-a-half and 21 for only four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years.
Protests had erupted in several states soon after the scheme was announced last month.
Later, the government extended the upper age limit to 23 years for recruitment under the scheme in 2022.
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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and his arch rival Lalu Prasad’s RJD, the principal opposition party, on Tuesday ended up on the same page in questioning the Centre on why aspiring ‘Agniveers’ were being asked to furnish religion and caste details.
JD(U) parliamentary board president Upendra Kushwaha came up with a couple of social media posts addressed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in which he raised “fears of misuse” of such information, in a move that is likely to rankle ally BJP, which is still sore over the stance adopted by the JD(U) since the ‘Agnipath’ scheme was rolled out.
Moreover, Kushwaha’s views were echoed by Tejashwi Yadav, RJD president’s son and party heir apparent, who came out with tweets flaying the “Sangh-backed BJP government at the Centre”.
“‘Jaati na poochho sadhu ki lekin jaati poochho fauji ki’ (a holy man must not be asked about his caste, but it is okay to do so with respect to an Army man), said Yadav in his sarcastic tweet, wherein he also lambasted the BJP for “running away from a caste census”, referring to the Centre’s refusal to conduct the same, which has led the government in Bihar to carry out a headcount on its own resources.
The former Bihar deputy CM also alleged “Agniveers are being asked to disclose their caste so that the RSS, which is the most casteist organisation in the country, could get the candidates screened on the basis of their castes”.
The nuisance value of the allegation was not lost on the BJP, the political offshoot of the RSS, which has been trying hard to do away with the label of being “pro-upper caste” to gain more than a foot in the door of Bihar politics.
“In the armed forces, it is the norm to collect all personal details of candidates. It is nothing new and there is no need for creating any controversy,” state BJP spokesman Arvind Kumar Singh said in a statement.
Nonetheless, Yadav’s contention – “what is the need for seeking caste details when there are no quotas under Agnipath scheme” found a resonance with Kushwaha as well as former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, whose Hindustani Awam Morcha with its four MLAs has come to be seen as the JD(U)’s veritable B team.
“Agniveers are destined to get a lollipop by way of temporary employment in the armed forces. Why are they being asked to disclose their caste when there is no caste-based reservation under the new scheme of recruitment,” asked Manjhi, who has of late been nettling BJP with his plain-speak on issues ranging from social behaviour of Brahmins to historicity, or lack thereof, of Lord Rama.
Kushwaha, who was approached by journalists with queries, said “anything that has no good use can be misused and the same applies to seeking caste and religion details from Agniveers. I would wait till the defence minister comes up with his clarification”.
The JD(U) leader, who has come to be seen as ally BJP’s principal detractor in his party, also warned “if no explanations are forthcoming, then those levelling allegations will do so with a vengeance”.

Agnipath scheme: new row over caste of Agniveers explained

Even as the Centre tweaked the scheme to pacify the dissenters, a new controversy has erupted in with both ruling and oppositon leaders taking the government head on.&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar&rsquo;s JD(U) and his arch rival Lalu Prasad&rsquo;s RJD, the principal opposition party, on Tuesday ended up on the same page in questioning the Centre on why aspiring &lsquo;Agniveers&rsquo; were being asked to furnish religion and caste details.
JD(U) parliamentary board president Upendra Kushwaha came up with a couple of social media posts addressed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in which he raised &ldquo;fears of misuse&rdquo; of such information, in a move that is likely to rankle ally BJP, which is still sore over the stance adopted by the JD(U) since the &lsquo;Agnipath&rsquo; scheme was rolled out.
Moreover, Kushwaha&rsquo;s views were echoed by Tejashwi Yadav, RJD president&rsquo;s son and party heir apparent, who came out with tweets flaying the &ldquo;Sangh-backed BJP government at the Centre&rdquo;.
&ldquo;&lsquo;Jaati na poochho sadhu ki lekin jaati poochho fauji ki&rsquo; (a holy man must not be asked about his caste, but it is okay to do so with respect to an Army man), said Yadav in his sarcastic tweet, wherein he also lambasted the BJP for &ldquo;running away from a caste census&rdquo;, referring to the Centre&rsquo;s refusal to conduct the same, which has led the government in Bihar to carry out a headcount on its own resources.
The former Bihar deputy CM also alleged &ldquo;Agniveers are being asked to disclose their caste so that the RSS, which is the most casteist organisation in the country, could get the candidates screened on the basis of their castes&rdquo;.
The nuisance value of the allegation was not lost on the BJP, the political offshoot of the RSS, which has been trying hard to do away with the label of being &ldquo;pro-upper caste&rdquo; to gain more than a foot in the door of Bihar politics.
&ldquo;In the armed forces, it is the norm to collect all personal details of candidates. It is nothing new and there is no need for creating any controversy,&rdquo; state BJP spokesman Arvind Kumar Singh said in a statement.
Nonetheless, Yadav&rsquo;s contention &ndash; &ldquo;what is the need for seeking caste details when there are no quotas under Agnipath scheme&rdquo; found a resonance with Kushwaha as well as former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, whose Hindustani Awam Morcha with its four MLAs has come to be seen as the JD(U)&rsquo;s veritable B team.
&ldquo;Agniveers are destined to get a lollipop by way of temporary employment in the armed forces. Why are they being asked to disclose their caste when there is no caste-based reservation under the new scheme of recruitment,&rdquo; asked Manjhi, who has of late been nettling BJP with his plain-speak on issues ranging from social behaviour of Brahmins to historicity, or lack thereof, of Lord Rama.
Kushwaha, who was approached by journalists with queries, said &ldquo;anything that has no good use can be misused and the same applies to seeking caste and religion details from Agniveers. I would wait till the defence minister comes up with his clarification&rdquo;.
The JD(U) leader, who has come to be seen as ally BJP&rsquo;s principal detractor in his party, also warned &ldquo;if no explanations are forthcoming, then those levelling allegations will do so with a vengeance&rdquo;.

The Supreme Court on Monday said that it would hear next week pleas challenging the Centre’s 'Agnipath' scheme for recruitment in the armed forces.
A vacation bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and JK Maheshwari said that petitions will be listed next week before an appropriate bench upon reopening of the apex court after summer vacation.
Last month, the government had announced the Agnipath scheme, under which youths between the ages of 17-and-a-half and 21 years would be inducted in the armed forces for a four-year-tenure, while 25 per cent of them will be subsequently inducted for regular service.

Agnipath scheme: SC to hear pleas challenging Centre's move

Last month, the government had announced the Agnipath scheme, under which youths between the ages of 17-and-a-half and 21 years would be inducted in the armed forces for a four-year-tenure.

The Supreme Court on Monday said that it would hear next week pleas challenging the Centre&rsquo;s 'Agnipath' scheme for recruitment in the armed forces.
A vacation bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and JK Maheshwari said that petitions will be listed next week before an appropriate bench upon reopening of the apex court after summer vacation.
Last month, the government had announced the Agnipath scheme, under which youths between the ages of 17-and-a-half and 21 years would be inducted in the armed forces for a four-year-tenure, while 25 per cent of them will be subsequently inducted for regular service.
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) The CPI(M) has alleged that through the "Agnipath" scheme, the BJP-led Centre is fulfilling Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's goal of "militarising Hindu society" and serving the purpose of the corporations that are getting into defence production projects.
According to the latest editorial in party mouthpiece "People's Democracy", there is a deeper aspect of the Agnipath scheme for military recruitment, which makes the plan more dangerous for the armed forces and the society.
"The Agnipath scheme has to be seen as part of the larger project to re-shape the Indian State and its institutions in the Hindutva image. Like the other arms of the State, the Hindutva rulers are going about the restructuring of the armed forces based on their ideological perspective.
"The fact that several thousand demobilised soldiers with arms training will join the society every year would go some way in fulfilling Savarkar's goal of militarising Hindu society," the editorial said.
It also said the way the criteria for appointment to the post of chief of defence staff (CDS) has been widened has opened the way for greater politicisation of the higher defence leadership of the armed forces.
"One will have to wait and see how the 'Agniveers' are going to be trained since the national security advisor, Ajit Doval, has claimed that 'you will find the best of law-abiding citizens in these youth who will have nationalist sentiments and protect national interest'. Will it be Hindutva nationalism that will be inculcated?" it asked.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) also criticised the corporate support that the scheme has received and said it is an example of the "Hindutva-corporate alliance at work".
"The way the corporate sector is hailing the scheme, it appears that the army has now become the training school for jobs in big industry. However, the hard reality is, as thousands of ex-servicemen and retired officers know, the recruitment of ex-servicemen by corporates is meagre.
"The reason for the support of the corporate sector for the Agnipath scheme lies elsewhere. With the defence production industry open to the private sector, it is the big industrial houses like Tatas and Mahindras who are getting into defence production projects," the editorial said.
The Left party also claimed that the restructuring of the armed forces with contractual soldiers and the availability of a large pool of demobilised soldiers will serve the interests of the corporates as well as the Hindutva forces in the future.
"If the corporates have a stake in the restructuring of the armed forces and the privatisation of defence enterprises, the Hindutva forces can look forward to swelling their ranks with a large number of demobilised soldiers who will vent their frustration at not getting jobs and losing their status in the society.
"One has only to extrapolate on BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya's remark that if he had to hire someone for the security of the BJP office, he would give preference to Agniveers. The same preference would be extended to recruiting them to the Bajrang Dal and the Hindutva brigade," the editorial in "People's Democracy" said, adding that the scheme is an assault on a vital institution of the Indian State, the armed forces, and needs to be rolled back.

Modi govt fulfilling Savarkar's goal of militarising Hindu society through Agnipath: CPI(M)

The Left party also claimed that the restructuring of the armed forces with contractual soldiers and the availability of a large pool of demobilised soldiers will serve the interests of the corporates.

The CPI(M) has alleged that through the "Agnipath" scheme, the BJP-led Centre is fulfilling Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's goal of "militarising Hindu society" and serving the purpose of the corporations that are getting into defence production projects.
According to the latest editorial in party mouthpiece "People's Democracy", there is a deeper aspect of the Agnipath scheme for military recruitment, which makes the plan more dangerous for the armed forces and the society.
"The Agnipath scheme has to be seen as part of the larger project to re-shape the Indian State and its institutions in the Hindutva image. Like the other arms of the State, the Hindutva rulers are going about the restructuring of the armed forces based on their ideological perspective.
"The fact that several thousand demobilised soldiers with arms training will join the society every year would go some way in fulfilling Savarkar's goal of militarising Hindu society," the editorial said.
It also said the way the criteria for appointment to the post of chief of defence staff (CDS) has been widened has opened the way for greater politicisation of the higher defence leadership of the armed forces.
"One will have to wait and see how the 'Agniveers' are going to be trained since the national security advisor, Ajit Doval, has claimed that 'you will find the best of law-abiding citizens in these youth who will have nationalist sentiments and protect national interest'. Will it be Hindutva nationalism that will be inculcated?" it asked.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) also criticised the corporate support that the scheme has received and said it is an example of the "Hindutva-corporate alliance at work".
"The way the corporate sector is hailing the scheme, it appears that the army has now become the training school for jobs in big industry. However, the hard reality is, as thousands of ex-servicemen and retired officers know, the recruitment of ex-servicemen by corporates is meagre.
"The reason for the support of the corporate sector for the Agnipath scheme lies elsewhere. With the defence production industry open to the private sector, it is the big industrial houses like Tatas and Mahindras who are getting into defence production projects," the editorial said.
The Left party also claimed that the restructuring of the armed forces with contractual soldiers and the availability of a large pool of demobilised soldiers will serve the interests of the corporates as well as the Hindutva forces in the future.
"If the corporates have a stake in the restructuring of the armed forces and the privatisation of defence enterprises, the Hindutva forces can look forward to swelling their ranks with a large number of demobilised soldiers who will vent their frustration at not getting jobs and losing their status in the society.
"One has only to extrapolate on BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya's remark that if he had to hire someone for the security of the BJP office, he would give preference to Agniveers. The same preference would be extended to recruiting them to the Bajrang Dal and the Hindutva brigade," the editorial in "People's Democracy" said, adding that the scheme is an assault on a vital institution of the Indian State, the armed forces, and needs to be rolled back.

Amid a backlash over Agnipath scheme National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday defended the move of the Narendra Modi government, calling the jon recruitment scheme in the armed forces a need of the hour.Doval in a sit-down interview with ANI send the prospects were bright for soliders who would be enrolled as Agniveers for a four-year term. He said the possibilities were emmense for the Agniveers who would have both capital and skill to put themselves out in the job market. "Be positive, have faith in the nation, the leadership and also in yourself," NSA Ajit Doval had this message to the youth of the nation.
 

Agnipath protest: NSA Ajit Doval on prospect of a solider after Agniveer retirement

Agnipath protest: NSA Ajit Doval on prospect of a solider after Agniveer retirement

Amid a backlash over Agnipath scheme National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday defended the move of the Narendra Modi government, calling the jon recruitment scheme in the armed forces a need of the hour. Doval in a sit-down interview with ANI send the prospects were bright for soliders who would be enrolled as Agniveers for a four-year term. He said the possibilities were emmense for the Agniveers who would have both capital and skill to put themselves out in the job market.&nbsp; "Be positive, have faith in the nation, the leadership and also in yourself," NSA Ajit Doval had this message to the youth of the nation.
&nbsp;

Violent anti-Agnipath protests continued rocking Bihar for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday, with agitators torching vehicles parked on the premises of a police outpost in Jehanabad district, officials said.
A large number of protestors gathered outside Tehta police outpost around 8.30 AM and started pelting security personnel with stones. Later, they set several vehicles, including a bus and a truck, on fire, they said.
Normal life was affected in Gaya, Buxar and Jehanabad districts, as well as some other parts of Bihar, as vehicles remained off the roads and shops and business establishments were shut, barring those selling essential items, due to a statewide bandh called by student organisations led by Left-wing All India Students' Association (AISA).
Various political parties, including RJD, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), have extended their support to the bandh call.
Railways have cancelled several trains to prevent damage by agitators.
The state government has already suspended internet services in 12 districts till June 19 due to massive violent protests rocking the state.
Internet services have been suspended in Kaimur, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Buxar, Nawada, West Champaran, Samastipur, Lakhisarai, Begusarai, Vaishali and Saran districts, as per an order issued by the Home Department.
Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC have also been imposed in the most-affected districts to prevent any untoward incident, a senior police official said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday announced a 10 per cent reservation for Agniveers in recruitment in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Assam Rifles.
The MHA also decided to give three years age relaxation beyond the prescribed upper age limit to Agniveers for recruitment in CAPFs and Assam Rifles. Further, for the first batch of Agniveers, the age relaxation will be for five years beyond the prescribed upper age limit.

Violent anti-Agnipath protests continue rocking Bihar; agitators torch vehicles in police outpost

Agnipath protests: violent agitations continue to rock Bihar; vehicles in police outpost torched

A large number of protestors gathered outside Tehta police outpost and started pelting security personnel with stones. Internet shutdown in 12 districts of the state

Violent anti-Agnipath protests continued rocking Bihar for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday, with agitators torching vehicles parked on the premises of a police outpost in Jehanabad district, officials said.
A large number of protestors gathered outside Tehta police outpost around 8.30 AM and started pelting security personnel with stones. Later, they set several vehicles, including a bus and a truck, on fire, they said.
Normal life was affected in Gaya, Buxar and Jehanabad districts, as well as some other parts of Bihar, as vehicles remained off the roads and shops and business establishments were shut, barring those selling essential items, due to a statewide bandh called by student organisations led by Left-wing All India Students' Association (AISA).
Various political parties, including RJD, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), have extended their support to the bandh call.
Railways have cancelled several trains to prevent damage by agitators.
The state government has already suspended internet services in 12 districts till June 19 due to massive violent protests rocking the state.
Internet services have been suspended in Kaimur, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Buxar, Nawada, West Champaran, Samastipur, Lakhisarai, Begusarai, Vaishali and Saran districts, as per an order issued by the Home Department.
Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC have also been imposed in the most-affected districts to prevent any untoward incident, a senior police official said.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/agnipath-protests-massive-protest-rally-in-kerala-s-thiruvananthapuram-1655541730408" target="_blank">Agnipath protests: Massive protest rally in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram</a>
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday announced a 10 per cent reservation for Agniveers in recruitment in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Assam Rifles.
The MHA also decided to give three years age relaxation beyond the prescribed upper age limit to Agniveers for recruitment in CAPFs and Assam Rifles. Further, for the first batch of Agniveers, the age relaxation will be for five years beyond the prescribed upper age limit.

Security has been beefed up across many states owing to the Bharat Band call given by various groups to protest the Narendra Modi government’s Agnipath scheme.   In Jharkhand, schools will remain shut in view of the Band, with officials saying that exams for classes 9 and 10th have also been postponed.    The protest which has been continuing for the past few days witnessed damage to government installations, railway stations, trains, and buses, among other public properties.   In Gautam Buddh Nagar near Delhi, the police said prohibitory orders banning large gatherings have been imposed. Similar orders have been passed in Rajasthan’s capital Jaipur.   350 trains have been cancelled in Bihar which saw violent protests over the Agnipath scheme. Internet services remain shut in 20 districts. The Kerala Police said its entire force will be on duty today to arrest anyone engaging in violence or destruction of public property.   

Agnipath protest: security beefed up, curbs imposed amid Bharat Bandh call

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW127351408 BCX4">
In Jharkhand, schools will remain shut in view of the Bandh, with officials saying that exams for classes 9 and 10th have also been postponed. &nbsp;
</div>

Security has been beefed up across many states owing to the Bharat Bandh call given by various groups to protest the Narendra Modi government&rsquo;s Agnipath scheme. &nbsp; &nbsp; In Jharkhand, schools will remain shut in view of the Bandh, with officials saying that exams for classes 9 and 10th have also been postponed. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The protest which has been continuing for the past few days witnessed damage to government installations, railway stations, trains, and buses, among other public properties. &nbsp; &nbsp; In Gautam Buddh Nagar near Delhi, the police said prohibitory orders banning large gatherings have been imposed. Similar orders have been passed in Rajasthan&rsquo;s capital Jaipur. &nbsp; &nbsp; 350 trains have been cancelled in Bihar which saw violent protests over the Agnipath scheme. Internet services remain shut in 20 districts.&nbsp; The Kerala Police said its entire force will be on duty today to arrest anyone engaging in violence or destruction of public property.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Congress said lakhs of party workers across the country will hold peaceful protests on Monday against what it called the "anti-youth" 'Agnipath' scheme and the Modi government's "vendetta politics" in targeting Rahul Gandhi.
A delegation of Congress leaders will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind to bring to his notice the alleged manhandling and harassment of party MPs by the Delhi Police during their protests against Rahul Gandhi's questioning by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case.
After three straight days of questioning, the ED had allowed Gandhi's request to defer his questioning in the National Herald money-laundering case from June 17 to June 20 owing to his mother Sonia Gandhi's hospitalisation.
Stepping up its attack on the Centre, the Congress on Sunday held a 'Satyagraha' here in support of those protesting the government's Agnipath scheme. Rahul Gandhi had appealed to party leaders and workers not to celebrate his birthday on Sunday.

Agnipath, Rahul Gandhi's ED questioning: Congress to hold protest across India

After three straight days of questioning, the ED had allowed Gandhi's request to defer his questioning in the National Herald money-laundering case from June 17 to June 20

The Congress said lakhs of party workers across the country will hold peaceful protests on Monday against what it called the "anti-youth" 'Agnipath' scheme and the Modi government's "vendetta politics" in targeting Rahul Gandhi.
A delegation of Congress leaders will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind to bring to his notice the alleged manhandling and harassment of party MPs by the Delhi Police during their protests against Rahul Gandhi's questioning by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case.
After three straight days of questioning, the ED had allowed Gandhi's request to defer his questioning in the National Herald money-laundering case from June 17 to June 20 owing to his mother Sonia Gandhi's hospitalisation.
&nbsp;
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/congress-leaders-rally-behind-rahul-gandhi-taken-into-police-custody-national-herald-1655199060706">National Herald Case: Congress leaders rally behind Rahul Gandhi, taken into police custody</a> Stepping up its attack on the Centre, the Congress on Sunday held a 'Satyagraha' in support of those protesting the government's Agnipath scheme.&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi had appealed to party leaders and workers not to celebrate his birthday on Sunday.

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Sunday sought to defend the Centre's Agnipath scheme for military recruitment, which is facing stiff opposition from various quarters, saying if he has to appoint security personnel as his party office, he would give priority to those who have served as Agniveers.
His remark soon kicked up a row, with some prominent political leaders, including his party colleague MP Varun Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, besides several netizens slamming him for it. The Madhya Pradesh Congress demanded an apology from the BJP for "insulting" the defence forces.
Under fire for the statement, Vijayvargiya later said what he meant was that the excellence of Agniveers will be utilised in whichever field they choose after completing service in the defence forces. He also accused the "toolkit gang" of twisting his remark to insult the "Karmveer".
The Centre on Tuesday announced the Agnipath scheme for four-year contractual military recruitment that has sparked protests in many parts of the country and is being questioned by many parties. The soldiers to be recruited under this plan will be called Agniveers.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP office here, Vijayvargiya, while describing the benefits of the scheme, said the youth would develop qualities like discipline and obedience, which is part of army's training.
"In army training, first is discipline and second is following orders. He (Agniveer) will undergo training and when he comes out (of the armed forces) after four years of service, he would have Rs 11 lakh in his hand. And he would also walk around with the badge of Agniveer on his chest," he said.
"If I have to recruit security (personnel) here in this BJP office, I will give priority to Agniveer," the senior BJP leader added.
A video of his statement went viral on social media platforms.
Tagging the video in his tweet, Varun Gandhi questioned Vijayvargiya and said army is a medium to serve 'Maa Bharti' (mother India).
"Our great army's heroic tales cannot be expressed with mere words and its valour echoes in the entire world," Gandhi said, accusing the BJP national general secretary of offering the job of a "chowkidar" (watchman) to soldiers after retirement.
"Indian Army is a means to serve mother India, not merely a job," Gandhi said.
Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Kejriwal termed it an insult of the youths and army personnel of the country.
"Do not disrespect the youth and army personnel of the country so much. The youth of our country work hard day and night to pass the physical exam and clear test because they want to serve the country and not because they want to be a guard outside the BJP office," Kejriwal said in a tweet.
K K Mishra, chairman of the media department of Madhya Pradesh Congress, also criticised Vijayvargiya for the statement.
"Agniveers, who will be recruited (in the armed forces) only for four years, will be later appointed as security guards at the BJP office. This is a big insult of the unemployed youth and the valour of the armed forces. BJP should apologise," he said in a tweet.
Several other social media users also slammed the senior BJP leader for his statement.
However, Vijayvargiya later blamed the toolkit gang for the controversy.
"Agniveers who complete their service under the Agnipath scheme will definitely be trained and committed to their duties. This excellence will be utilised in the fields they choose after completing the service in the army. This was what I clearly meant," he said in a tweet.
He alleged that people associated with the 'toolkit gang' were trying to insult the "Karmveers" by distorting his statement.
"This would be an insult to the Karmveers of the country. The nation is well aware of the conspiracies of this toolkit gang against the Rashtraveer and Dharmveer," he added.

BJP leader on Agnipath: will give priority to Agniveers for security jobs at BJP office,

BJP leader on Agnipath: will give priority to Agniveers for security jobs at BJP office

"If I have to recruit security (personnel) here in this BJP office, I will give priority to Agniveer," the senior BJP leader said.

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Sunday sought to defend the Centre's Agnipath scheme for military recruitment, which is facing stiff opposition from various quarters, saying if he has to appoint security personnel as his party office, he would give priority to those who have served as Agniveers.
His remark soon kicked up a row, with some prominent political leaders, including his party colleague MP Varun Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, besides several netizens slamming him for it. The Madhya Pradesh Congress demanded an apology from the BJP for "insulting" the defence forces.
Under fire for the statement, Vijayvargiya later said what he meant was that the excellence of Agniveers will be utilised in whichever field they choose after completing service in the defence forces. He also accused the "toolkit gang" of twisting his remark to insult the "Karmveer".
The Centre on Tuesday announced the Agnipath scheme for four-year contractual military recruitment that has sparked protests in many parts of the country and is being questioned by many parties. The soldiers to be recruited under this plan will be called Agniveers.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP office here, Vijayvargiya, while describing the benefits of the scheme, said the youth would develop qualities like discipline and obedience, which is part of army's training.
"In army training, first is discipline and second is following orders. He (Agniveer) will undergo training and when he comes out (of the armed forces) after four years of service, he would have Rs 11 lakh in his hand. And he would also walk around with the badge of Agniveer on his chest," he said.
"If I have to recruit security (personnel) here in this BJP office, I will give priority to Agniveer," the senior BJP leader added.
A video of his statement went viral on social media platforms.
Tagging the video in his tweet, Varun Gandhi questioned Vijayvargiya and said army is a medium to serve 'Maa Bharti' (mother India).
"Our great army's heroic tales cannot be expressed with mere words and its valour echoes in the entire world," Gandhi said, accusing the BJP national general secretary of offering the job of a "chowkidar" (watchman) to soldiers after retirement.
"Indian Army is a means to serve mother India, not merely a job," Gandhi said.
Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Kejriwal termed it an insult of the youths and army personnel of the country.
"Do not disrespect the youth and army personnel of the country so much. The youth of our country work hard day and night to pass the physical exam and clear test because they want to serve the country and not because they want to be a guard outside the BJP office," Kejriwal said in a tweet.
K K Mishra, chairman of the media department of Madhya Pradesh Congress, also criticised Vijayvargiya for the statement.
"Agniveers, who will be recruited (in the armed forces) only for four years, will be later appointed as security guards at the BJP office. This is a big insult of the unemployed youth and the valour of the armed forces. BJP should apologise," he said in a tweet.
Several other social media users also slammed the senior BJP leader for his statement.
However, Vijayvargiya later blamed the toolkit gang for the controversy.
"Agniveers who complete their service under the Agnipath scheme will definitely be trained and committed to their duties. This excellence will be utilised in the fields they choose after completing the service in the army. This was what I clearly meant," he said in a tweet.
He alleged that people associated with the 'toolkit gang' were trying to insult the "Karmveers" by distorting his statement.
"This would be an insult to the Karmveers of the country. The nation is well aware of the conspiracies of this toolkit gang against the Rashtraveer and Dharmveer," he added.
ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/congress-agnipath-protest-at-jantar-mantar-priyanka-gandhi-says-it-will-kill-youth-of-india-1655634837761" target="_blank">Congress' Agnipath protest at Jantar Mantar: Priyanka Gandhi says it will kill youth of India</a>

Congress MPs and leaders sat on a 'Satyagraha' at Jantar Mantar here on Sunday in solidarity with the youths protesting the Centre's newly announced Agnipath scheme for recruitment in the armed forces.
Congress leaders and supporters criticised the BJP-led central government and said that the Agnipath scheme is not beneficial for the country's youth and also jeopardises national security.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party leaders Jai Ram Ramesh, Rajiv Shukla, Sachin Pilot, Salman Khurshid and Alka Lamba took part in the 'Satyagraha'.
"The scheme should be rolled back," Pilot told PTI on the sidelines of the 'Satyagraha'.
Appealing to the protesting youths not to resort to violence, he said, "Protesting the scheme is their right but it should be done in a peaceful way. There should be no violence." Youths in several parts of the country have been protesting against the contentious defence recruitment scheme. Over the past few days, incidents of protesters vandalising railway stations, setting trains on fire and blocking roads and railway tracks have been reported from different cities and towns.
Heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces was seen at the protest site. The entry and exit points to Jantar Mantar were blocked.
The Agnipath scheme, announced on June 14, provides for the recruitment of youths in the age bracket of 17-and-half to 21 years for only four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years. Later, the government extended the upper age limit to 23 years for recruitment in 2022.
The personnel to be recruited under the new scheme will be known as Agniveers. A major objective of the scheme is to bring down the average age of military personnel and cut ballooning salary and pension bills.

Congress' Agnipath scheme at Jantar Mantar: Priyanka Gandhi says it will kill youth of India

Congress' Agnipath protest at Jantar Mantar: Priyanka Gandhi says it will kill youth of India

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party leaders Jai Ram Ramesh, Rajiv Shukla, Sachin Pilot, Salman Khurshid and Alka Lamba took part in the 'Satyagraha'.

Congress MPs and leaders sat on a 'Satyagraha' at Jantar Mantar here on Sunday in solidarity with the youths protesting the Centre's newly announced Agnipath scheme for recruitment in the armed forces.
Congress leaders and supporters criticised the BJP-led central government and said that the Agnipath scheme is not beneficial for the country's youth and also jeopardises national security.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party leaders Jai Ram Ramesh, Rajiv Shukla, Sachin Pilot, Salman Khurshid and Alka Lamba took part in the 'Satyagraha'.
"The scheme should be rolled back," Pilot told PTI on the sidelines of the 'Satyagraha'.
Appealing to the protesting youths not to resort to violence, he said, "Protesting the scheme is their right but it should be done in a peaceful way. There should be no violence." Youths in several parts of the country have been protesting against the contentious defence recruitment scheme. Over the past few days, incidents of protesters vandalising railway stations, setting trains on fire and blocking roads and railway tracks have been reported from different cities and towns.
WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/watch-there-is-just-no-space-for-arsonists-says-top-military-officer-1655632197936" target="_blank">'There is just no space for arsonists,' says top military officer</a>
Heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces was seen at the protest site. The entry and exit points to Jantar Mantar were blocked.
The Agnipath scheme, announced on June 14, provides for the recruitment of youths in the age bracket of 17-and-half to 21 years for only four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years. Later, the government extended the upper age limit to 23 years for recruitment in 2022.
The personnel to be recruited under the new scheme will be known as Agniveers. A major objective of the scheme is to bring down the average age of military personnel and cut ballooning salary and pension bills.

Amid widespread protests against the Agnipath military recruitment scheme in Bihar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said there were many doubts about the scheme in the minds of the youth and demanded that it be withdrawn.
Addressing a press conference here, he asked whether this was a MGNREGA-like initiative for the educated youth or there was a "hidden agenda" of the RSS in it.
Yadav also appealed to the youth to protest peacefully against the scheme.
Why is Prime Minister Narendra Modi silent on the whole issue, he asked.
He said the government talked about 'one rank, one pension', but has come up with a scheme of "no rank, no pension".
The former deputy chief minister of Bihar posed 20 questions to the government, asserting that there were many doubts in the minds of the people which should be cleared by the government.
Yadav asked why Agnipath was not for officers to be recruited in the military.  "Protests are taking place in many parts of the country and there is anger among those who want to become soldiers," he said.
Yadav demanded that the scheme be withdrawn.
He dismissed the BJP's claims blaming the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for arson and violence, and said the Centre is responsible for it but blames the Opposition for it.

RJD's Tejashwi Yadav on Agnipath: Is this 'hidden agenda' of RSS?

RJD leader said there were many doubts about Agnipath in the minds of the youth and demanded that it be withdrawn.

Amid widespread protests against the Agnipath military recruitment scheme in Bihar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said there were many doubts about the scheme in the minds of the youth and demanded that it be withdrawn.
Addressing a press conference here, he asked whether this was a MGNREGA-like initiative for the educated youth or there was a "hidden agenda" of the RSS in it.
Yadav also appealed to the youth to protest peacefully against the scheme.
Why is Prime Minister Narendra Modi silent on the whole issue, he asked.
He said the government talked about 'one rank, one pension', but has come up with a scheme of "no rank, no pension".
The former deputy chief minister of Bihar posed 20 questions to the government, asserting that there were many doubts in the minds of the people which should be cleared by the government.
Yadav asked why Agnipath was not for officers to be recruited in the military. &nbsp;"Protests are taking place in many parts of the country and there is anger among those who want to become soldiers," he said.
Yadav demanded that the scheme be withdrawn.
He dismissed the BJP's claims blaming the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for arson and violence, and said the Centre is responsible for it but blames the Opposition for it.
ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/agnipath-protests-violent-agitations-continue-rocking-bihar-vehicles-in-police-outpost-torched-1655543446573" target="_blank">Agnipath protests: violent agitations continue to rock Bihar; vehicles in police outpost torched</a>

Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to give 3 years relaxation in the maximum entry age limit prescribed to Agniveers for recruitment in CAPFs and Assam Rifles. And for the first batch of Agneepath scheme this relaxation will be 5 years.The Telengana government announces Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia for the family of the youth who died in railway police firing at Secunderabad railway station during the protest against new armed forces recruitment policy 'Agnipath'Students organisations in Bihar call for a 24-hour bandh on Saturday. Various parties, like the RJD, the HAM, and the VIP on Friday extended their support to the Bihar Bandh called by different youth organisations of the state on Saturday.Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari told PTI that the selection process by the Indian Air Force for recruitment under the new scheme will start from June 24 while the Army said it will begin the initial exercise within two days.A total of 260 people were arrested and six FIRs lodged until Friday in Uttar Pradesh in connection with violent protests over the Centre's Agnipath scheme.

Agnipath protests: top 5 developments on Saturday

A total of 260 people were arrested and six FIRs lodged until Friday in Uttar Pradesh in connection with violent protests over the Centre's Agnipath scheme.

Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to give 3 years relaxation in the maximum entry age limit prescribed to Agniveers for recruitment in CAPFs and Assam Rifles. And for the first batch of Agneepath scheme this relaxation will be 5 years. The Telengana government announces Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia for the family of the youth who died in railway police firing at Secunderabad railway station during the protest against new armed forces recruitment policy 'Agnipath' Students organisations in Bihar call for a 24-hour bandh on Saturday.&nbsp;Various parties, like the RJD, the HAM, and the VIP on Friday extended their support to the Bihar Bandh called by different youth organisations of the state on Saturday.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/agnipath-how-usa-china-russia-israel-recruit-soldiers-military-comparison-amid-india-protests-1655491252103" target="_blank">Agnipath: how USA, China, Russia, Israel recruit soldiers | Military comparison amid India protests</a> Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari told PTI that the selection process by the Indian Air Force for recruitment under the new scheme will start from June 24 while the Army said it will begin the initial exercise within two days. A total of 260 people were arrested and six FIRs lodged until Friday in Uttar Pradesh in connection with violent protests over the Centre's Agnipath scheme.

agnipath protest update

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