New Delhi [India], July 2 (ANI): Noting that the government is making all efforts to strengthen armed forces and keep them battle-ready, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday made strong attack on Congress over its criticism of the Agniveer scheme, alleging that the member of the opposition party “cannot see armed forces being strengthened” and it is is spreading lies.
Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, PM Modi said an attempt was being made to weaken the defence reforms. He underlined the importance of setting up theatre commands and said defence reforms have picked up pace after the appointment of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
PM Modi took “balak budhi” jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and said he had in the past made allegations concerning the Rafale fighter jet deal.
“Look at ‘balak budhi’. He sought to make fun of armed forces by making toy Rafales. Congress opposes every such reform that strengthens armed forces. Congress realises that the greatest strength of our defence forces is the energy of our youth and a lie is being spread on recruitment in armed forces. I want to know through the House that for whom does the Congress want to weaken the armed forces. For whose benefit is it spreading lies about the armed forces,” he asked.
He said the country’s army should be young and the Army is meant to give a tough fight to the enemies.
“We should have faith in our youth, and the strength of youth should be increased in the Army…Our Army is the pride of the country. Today, the whole country is watching our army, our defence sector is undergoing so many reforms, as never happened in so many years after independence. Our Army is being modernized, so that our Army can give a befitting reply to every challenge,” he said.
“With the aim of protecting the country, many things have changed in the last few years. After the creation of the post of CDS, the integration has become stronger…Today I can say with satisfaction that after the creation of a CDS system, progress is being made in the direction of theatre command, which is necessary for the security of the country. Atmanirbhar Bharat, making our army self-reliant is also being played a very important role,” he added.
PM Modi said people know that defence forces were weak when Jawaharlal was the Prime Minister.
“The scams of crores of rupees of Congress weakened the country. After the country gained Independence, there was corruption under Congress rule ….jeep scam, submarine scam, Bofors scam, these scams prevented defence forces from becoming strong. There was a time during Congress rule when forces did not have bullet-proof jackets. They weakened the forces when they were in power and the efforts continue when they are in opposition. Congress did not procure fighter jets when it was in power and when we tried, they resorted to conspiracies. The fighter jet does not reach Air Force, every conspiracy was made,” he alleged.
“An attempt has been made to fool the country’s brave soldiers about One Rank, One Pension (OROP). Indira Gandhi abolished the OROP system in our country. For decades, Congress did not allow it to be implemented, but at the time of the elections, attempts were made to fool by showing Rs 500 crore. NDA government implemented the OROP,” he added.
During his speech in Lok Sabha on Monday, Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in the House, had criticised the Agniveer scheme. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had countered his remarks. (ANI)
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