Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was highly criticised on social media platform X after he questioned the financial aid to the family of fallen Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman. The Indian army’s Fire and Fury Corps on 22 October 2023, was informed about the supreme sacrifice by Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman.
In a post on X, he accused the Agniveer of being a scheme to insult the Bravehearts of India.
What Did Rahul Gandhi Say on Fallen Agniveer?
In an X post, Rahul Gandhi wrote about the fallen Agniveer, “सियाचिन में, अग्निवीर गवाते अक्षय लक्ष्मण की शहादत का समाचार बहुत दुखद है। उनके परिवार को मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएं। एक युवा देश के लिए शहीद हो गया – सेवा के समय न ग्रेच्युटी न अन्य सैन्य सुविधाएं, और शहादत में परिवार को पेंशन तक नहीं। अग्निवीर, भारत के वीरों के अपमान की योजना है!”
When translated to English, it means “The news of the martyrdom of Agniveer Gavate Akshay Laxman in Siachen is very sad. My deepest condolences to his family. A young man was martyred for the country – no gratuity, no other military facilities during his service, and no pension to his family in martyrdom. Agniveer, there is a plan to insult the heroes of India!”
Clarification by the Indian Army
On the question raised by Rahul Gandhi of financial aid to the bereaved family of the fallen agniveer, the Indian Army issued a clarification.
The Additional Directorate General of Public Information – Indian Army wrote in an X post, “Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman laid down his life in the line of duty in #Siachen. #IndianArmy stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief”.
“In view of conflicting messages on social media regarding financial assistance to the Next of Kin of the deceased, it is important to clarify that emoluments due to the Next of Kin are governed by the relevant terms & conditions of service of the soldier,” the official communication account of Indian Army further stated.
The ADGPI, Indian army listed the emoluments authorised to a deceased Battle Casualty:
- Non Non-contributory insurance sum, amounting to ₹ 48 Lakh.
- Seva Nidhi contributed by the Agniveer (30%), with equal matching contribution by the Govt, and interest there on.
- Ex-gratia of ₹ 44 Lakh.
- Pay of balance tenure from date of death, till completion of four years (more than ₹13 Lakh, in the instant case).
- Contribution of ₹8 Lakh from Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund.
- Immediate financial assistance of ₹ 30 thousand from AWWA.
Rahul Gandhi was also criticised by the BJP leaders and netizens on social media.
BJP criticises Rahul Gandhi
BJP social media in-charge Amit Malviya lambasted Rahul Gandhi for his “Absolute trash and irresponsible tweet”.
He further stated the emoluments that are entitled to fallen Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman as he asked Rahul Gandhi to “stop peddling fake news”.
BJP leader Majinder Singh Sirsa wrote on X, “Shame on Rahul Gandhi for defaming Indian Army and spreading misinformation Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman, who sacrificed his life in service is entitled to emoluments as a Battle Casualty”.
“His Next of Kin will receive ₹48 lakh non-contributory insurance, an ex-gratia payment of ₹44 lakh, and a Seva Nidhi contributed by Agniveer (30%) matched by the Government, with interest. They will also receive pay for the remaining term from the date of his passing, exceeding ₹13 lakh, and an additional ₹8 lakh from the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund,” he further wrote.
Netizens on Rahul Gandhi
X user Political Kida wrote, “There is clarification by Army before the Rahul Gandhi tweet, Still chose to spread lies and fake news for politics”.
An X user suggested the Indian Defence Ministry sue Rahul Gandhi, “Why doesn’t Defense Ministry sue him?”
Another X user posted, “Rahul is playing a dangerous game. Trying to spread disaffection in the Armed Forces. The Army has already clarified the benefits the soldier’s kin will be getting. Please spare the Armed Forces from petty politics”.
As of now, Rahul Gandhi or Congress has not issued a second statement on this issue.