'Security guard jobs for Agniveers at BJP office' remark: Congress accuses BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya of insulting soldiers

Indore: Congress leader and former Youth Affairs Minister of Madhya Pradesh Jitu Patwari accused BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya of insulting soldiers and questioned if the "BJP government is recruiting soldiers or security guards?"

"BJP should first clarify itself about the scheme and then try to explain it to the nation," Patwari said.

Pointing towards the failure of BJP government in decision-making, Patwari said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have a double-thought over his advisors, who are giving him advice about demonetisation, GST, Farm laws and now this Agnipath scheme.

Kailash Vijayvargiya on Sunday said that if he had to hire a guard for BJP party office, he would prefer to hire an Agniveer.

Speaking at a press conference organised here ahead of the upcoming local body elections, Vijayvargiya said, "When an Agniveer will take training and come out after serving in the defence sector for four years at the age of 21 to 25 years, he will have Rs 11 lakh cash in his hand. He will also be displaying the Agniveer medal on his chest. If I want to hire security for BJP office, I will give priority to Agniveer.”

Following this statement, the senior BJP leader drew sharp reaction from within and opposition parties.

BJP leader Varun Gandhi on Twitter said, "The great army, whose heroic tales even the whole of dictionary is insufficient to tell, whose valour resonates in the whole world; an invitation to that Indian soldier to do 'Chowkidari' of a political office, congratulations to the person who gave it. Indian Army is a medium of service to Mother Bharati, not just a 'job'.

"Do not disrespect the youth and army personnel of the country so much. The youth of our country work hard day and night to pass the physical exam and clear the test because they want to serve the country for their entire life by joining the Army, and not because they want to be a guard outside the BJP office," Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said.

Meanwhile, Congress MP KC Venugopal took a jibe at Vijayvargiya and said somebody from the BJP clarified all doubts about the recruitment scheme.

"Finally, somebody from the BJP clarified all doubts on the Agnipath scheme. Our Jawans are our pride. A true patriot will never insult them," he said in a tweet.

Vijayvargiya later issued a clarification, saying "What I clearly meant was: Agniveer will definitely be trained and committed to duty, his excellence will be utilised in whatever field he will go after completing his service in the army." (UNI)