'U-turn out of fear': Cong links Centre's Agniveer move to upcoming assembly polls

The Congress party has accused the Centre of making a U-turn following the extension of Agniveers' service tenure by two years, attributing the move to the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. A significant number of young people from these states are keen to join the armed forces. Congress MP Pawan Khera stated that the government acted out of fear, quoting the reaction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress had opposed the Agniveer scheme from the start, citing its potential adverse impact on the armed forces and the future of young recruits. The revised arrangement under which 25% of Agniveers will be absorbed into the regular forces based on merit, while the remaining 75% receive a two-year extension, was questioned by the Congress MP.

Khera sought clarification on the fate of those not selected after the extended tenure, raising concerns about unemployment.