'Sitting with Rahul Gandhi Made You...': Akhilesh, Anurag Thakur Spar Over Agnipath Scheme in LS

New Delhi: Lok Sabha debate on Budget 2024 on Tuesday turned heated as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and BJP MP Anurag Thakur clashed over the Agnipath scheme. Speaking during the Lok Sabha discussion on the Union Budget, Yadav alleged that the government had orchestrated supportive tweets from major industrialists to promote the Agnipath scheme.

"When the Agniveer scheme was first introduced, prominent industrialists were made to tweet that there was no better plan and that they would offer jobs to Agniveers. Perhaps the government remembers this because it admits that the scheme is not right, which is why they are asking their state governments to provide quotas and jobs for returning Agniveers," Yadav stated, challenging the members on the treasury benches to stand up and declare the scheme beneficial.

In response, former Union minister Thakur defended the Agnipath scheme, invoking the military legacy of his home state Himachal Pradesh.

"I come from Himachal Pradesh which gave the first Param Vir Chakra awardee Somnath Sharma, and had the highest number of martyrs in the Kargil War. Yes, I say that the long-standing demand for 'One Rank One Pension' was fulfilled by Narendra Modi's government. And let me make it clear, Akhilesh ji, that the Agniveer scheme guarantees 100 per cent employment," he said.

Yadav pressed on, questioning why the government had to introduce a 10 percent quota for Agniveers in Uttar Pradesh and other states if the Agnipath scheme was as effective as claimed.

"I asked a very simple question. Why does the government need to offer a quota in UP and other states if the scheme is truly beneficial?" the former UP chief minister said.

The exchange sparked a commotion in the Lok Sabha, with Yadav steadfastly defending his position. He underscored his own military school background and challenged Thakur's assertions about Param Vir Chakra recipients, highlighting Uttar Pradesh's notable achievements.

In response, Thakur emphasized his military service, stating, "I have served as a captain. Akhilesh ji, don’t just preach. Sitting with Rahul Gandhi has made you prone to spreading rumors and lies."

Yadav countered by suggesting Thakur’s defensiveness was a sign of political insecurity, remarking, "Perhaps your anxiety stems from no longer being a minister. You won't understand our struggles, and it shows on your face."

Turning to the Budget presented by Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23, Yadav criticized it for lacking provisions for the unemployed, youth, and rural areas. "Those with families understand the struggle of managing household expenses, educating children, and caring for the elderly," Yadav remarked.

Focusing on Uttar Pradesh, the former Chief Minister questioned, "You promoted the Make in India vision, but Uttar Pradesh didn’t receive any significant projects despite having a Prime Minister. Did we get an IIM or an IIT? Which central institution was established? While the Samajwadi Party government allocated land for two AIIMS in Raebareli and Gorakhpur, are people receiving adequate treatment there?"

Yadav also took a jab at the BJP’s performance in Uttar Pradesh, stating, "The results in UP reflect your work ethic. Would the results have been so poor if you had done everything correctly?"

He quoted Wasim Barelvi’s shayari: "Woh jhoot bol raha tha bade salike se, main aitbaar na karta toh kya karta?" (He lied with such finesse, I had no option but to believe), eliciting cheers from the Opposition benches.

Regarding the train derailment in Jharkhand, Yadav said, "Since the government took over, there has been a competition between rail accidents and paper leaks."

Finally, Yadav questioned if the ruling party had met its promise of doubling farmers' income, stating, "You claim to be providing MSP, so why are you denying a legal guarantee?"