Ex-Agniveer’s Emotional Appeal: “My Sacrifice Was Ignored—Is This the Value of Soldiers in New India?”

During the ongoing Voter Rights Yatra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi used the story of Amar Nath, an ex-Agniveer, to highlight the struggles faced by young soldiers under the new Agniveer scheme. Drawing a parallel to the ancient story of Eklavya—who was forced to sacrifice his thumb—Rahul Gandhi introduced Amar Nath to the crowd, asking him to show his injured hand as a symbol of the sacrifices made by Agniveers.

Amar Nath, who served in the Medium Regiment and was injured during a field firing exercise at Pokhran, shared his ordeal with the audience. He explained that an explosion during duty severely damaged his hand, leading to the amputation of a finger and the weakening of nerves in his arm. After just two years of service, he was sent home with little support.

“Was it my fault? I faced the same bullets as permanent soldiers, so why am I treated differently?” Amar Nath questioned. He urged the government to recognize that changing the army’s structure without proper care for its soldiers is unfair. “If you change the army, then ask your enemies to change their bullets too,” he said, highlighting the risks Agniveers face without the security and benefits given to regular soldiers.

Amar Nath’s speech carried a strong message: “The Indian Army is the foundation of our country. If soldiers start protesting on public platforms, it means the nation is weakening.” He warned the Prime Minister not to underestimate the power of the armed forces, recalling how history has shown that when soldiers rise, even mighty rulers and empires have fallen.

He ended with a rallying cry: “We will reclaim our honor. These youth are standing for their rights, and we are standing for our army. Thank you.”

Rahul Gandhi’s use of Amar Nath’s story has intensified the debate around the Agniveer scheme, putting the spotlight on the government’s treatment of young soldiers and the future of India’s defense forces.