The Indian Army clarified on Wednesday night that martyred Agniveer Ajay Kumar's family was paid Rs 98.39 lakh as compensation, rebutting Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's claim that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had "lied" about recompensating the family on the floor of the Lok Sabha.
The clarification came soon after Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said in a video message on X: "Protection of truth is the foundation of every religion. But Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lied in the Parliament about the assistance given to the family of a martyred Agniveer."
Rahul Gandhi also accused the Defence Minister of deceiving the Parliament regarding the 'assistance' provided to the family of martyred Agniveer Ajay Singh, as he demanded an apology from Rajnath Singh to the Parliament, the nation, the armed forces, and the bereaved family.
Clearing the air, the Army said in a post on X: "Certain posts on social media have brought out that compensation hasn't been paid to the next of kin of Agniveer Ajay Kumar who lost his life in the line of duty. It is emphasised that the Indian Army salutes the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar. The last rites were carried out with full military honours.
"Of the total amount due, the family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakh. Ex-gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately 67 lakh, 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 Rs 1.65 crore approximately.
"It is re-emphasised that emoluments due to a fallen hero are paid expeditiously to the next of kin of departed soldiers, including Agniveers."
To recall, Rahul Gandhi, who has always been critical of the Agnipath scheme of recruiting Agniveers into the armed forces, reiterated his opposition to the scheme during his first speech as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
He accused the government of creating division among soldiers by providing pensions to some and not others, stating, "Agniveer is a disposable tool. One soldier receives pension, while another does not. You are fostering a divide among soldiers."
Rajnath Singh countered Rahul Gandhi's allegations, accusing him of spreading misinformation. He also emphasised that the government provides Rs 1 crore in compensation to the families of martyred Agniveers.
Tripura witnessed massive transformation in health sector: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday inaugurated a day long state-level workshop for dental surgeons here at Agartala Pragna Bhavan and claimed that a major transformation has been witnessed in the state’s health sector during the last six years.
Corruption & violence have turned West Bengal into ‘mini-Pakistan’: Tripura CM
He said that the people are well aware of the Congress-led coalition government in Tripura and people of the state wholeheartedly wanted to come out from the clutches of the Communist rule.
Melagarh Rath Yatra festival: CM Dr Manik Saha inaugurates 9-day long cultural festival
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday inaugurated the 9-day long cultural festival on the occasion of Ratha Yatra festival at Melagarh in Sepahijala district of the state.
Winning Olympic medal not only transforms the lives of athletes, but also of their families and villages: Sakshi Malik
India will be sending a contingent of close to 120 sportspersons to the Olympics, including an Athletics team led by the defending champion in the men’s javelin Neeraj Chopra, a 21-member shooting team and a 16- member men’s hockey squad.
Hungary's Orban makes surprise visit to Moscow to meet Putin, EU leaders slam move
Infuriating his fellow European Union leaders, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made a surprise visit to Russia on Friday and held talks with President Vladimir Putin.
Tripura Sets New Benchmark in Afforestation; 5 Lakh Saplings Planted in 5 Minutes
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Friday launched the state wide campaign of planting 5 lakhs saplings in 5 minutes across the state, which underscores the state's commitment to environmental sustainability and afforestation.
Role of journalists in AIDS control; awareness programme held at Agartala
The Tripura State AIDS Control Society in collaboration with the Tripura Journalists Union and Tripura Web Media Forum organized a day-long awareness program on the role of journalists in AIDS control here at Agartala Sukanta Academy Auditorium on Friday.
State aims over Rs 2,000 Crore investment boost: Santana
The Department of Industries and Commerce in Tripura is spearheading several initiatives aimed at empowering the state's youth and promoting industrial growth. During a press conference held today at the Secretariat's Press Conference Hall, Minister of Industry and Commerce Santana Chakma shared these updates.