During the budget discussion in Parliament, a significant confrontation occurred between Samajwadi Party's national president Akhilesh Yadav and BJP MP Anurag Thakur over the Agniveer scheme. Akhilesh Yadav questioned the government, asking if the scheme is so beneficial, why they urge states to provide a 10% quota. In response, Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur asserted that Agniveer guarantees 100% employment.
Akhilesh Yadav addressed the Parliament, saying no young person preparing for the army would ever accept this scheme. Criticizing the government, he mentioned, “When the scheme was first introduced, large industrialists tweeted that it was excellent, offering employment. The government acknowledged that the scheme wasn't perfect. That's why they are asking their state governments to provide quotas and jobs to returning Agniveers.”
When Anurag Thakur began to speak, Akhilesh Yadav remarked, “I will sit down, and you can stand up and declare that the scheme is perfect.”
Anurag Thakur responds to Akhilesh
Thakur then said, “I come from Himachal, which gave the first Param Vir Chakra recipient, Major Somnath Sharma. Himachal Pradesh’s brave youth had the highest casualties in the Kargil war. We have four Param Vir Chakra awardees, including Captains Vikram Batra and Subedar Sanjay Kumar from Himachal. The longstanding demand for One Rank One Pension was fulfilled only by the Modi government. Listen, Akhilesh Yadav, the Agniveer scheme will always guarantee 100% employment.”
Akhilesh questions Thakur again
Subsequently, the Kannauj MP pointed out, “I have another question, why are you providing a 10% quota in states? Have you ever been to the Chal military school? I myself studied in a military school. You talk about Param Vir Chakras, we too can name many recipients.”
Thakur retorted, “You only attended a military school; I am still serving as a captain in the army. Akhilesh, don't just spread knowledge. Sitting with Rahul Gandhi, waving your arms, you’ve developed the habit of lying.”
Akhilesh mocks BJP
Reacting to the BJP MP's statement, Akhilesh commented, “Perhaps you’re uncomfortable because you're no longer a minister. Let me explain your pain. Ever since the defeat in UP, no one greets you anymore, that's your discomfort. We saw videos where no one was greeting or noticing each other. Those claiming to be powerful can't remove the ones who defeated them. Understand this, Agniveer is unacceptable to Samajwadis. Whenever we come into power, we will abolish this scheme within a year or two.”
