Retired Air Marshal Backs Agnipath Scheme Amid Opposition Criticism

Retired Air Marshal SP Singh endorsed the Agnipath scheme, amid political opposition, emphasizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's justification. While opposition leaders criticize the scheme's effectiveness, Singh and other supporters argue it fosters youth engagement in national service. PM Modi highlighted the reform's aim to rejuvenate the army during Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Retired Air Marshal SP Singh has offered his support for the Agnipath scheme, which is currently under fire from opposition parties. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clear explanation of the policy. 'The Prime Minister clarified it very well. I don't think I would have anything else to say about it,' Singh said while speaking to ANI on Friday.

'It doesn't require an explanation because the PM said that it's a decision taken by the armed forces. Now, I retired 12 years ago, and all this has happened since my retirement. I believe in the firm principle that I did my bit when I was serving. Now it's the youth's turn,' he added. Singh believes the younger generation will excel, drawing an analogy to a ripening fruit and urging critics to give the scheme time to prove its worth.

Calling the scheme 'very good,' Singh noted that it had political and public endorsement. Meanwhile, BJP MP Ravi Kishan criticized opposition parties for undermining the scheme, accusing them of demotivating youngsters who wish to serve the country. Ravi Kishan stated, 'For five years, their politics has been about opposing everything PM Modi and the government do.'

Conversely, Congress MP Karti P. Chidambaram condemned the scheme as a short-term measure lacking sufficient training and benefits. Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad vowed to end the scheme if the opposition INDIA bloc gains power, arguing it was an insult to the army.

On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his support for Agnipath, describing it as vital for keeping the army young and combat-ready. He noted that reforms in the defense sector were a long-standing demand. 'The country has felt the need for major reforms in the defense sector for decades,' PM Modi said. Kargil Vijay Diwas marks India's victory in reclaiming strategic positions from Pakistani infiltrators in 1999.

(With inputs from agencies.)