Congress President Sonia Gandhi today expressed her party’s solidarity with the youth protesting against the Centre’s Agnipath scheme for recruitment in the armed forces but appealed to them to adopt peaceful and non-violent means to fight for their demands.
In a letter to the country’s youth, Sonia, who is convalescing at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, wrote; “You aspire to do an important job of service to the nation by joining the Indian Army. I can understand the pain of not getting recruited for the last 3 years despite having lakhs of vacant posts in the army. I also have full sympathy with the youth who are waiting for the results and appointments after giving the recruitment examination in the Air Force.” The letter was released by Congress Communication in charge of Jairam Ramesh.
“I am sad that the government has ignored your voice and announced the new recruitment scheme,” she said in the letter, describing the Agnipath scheme as directionless. She noted that many retired senior defence personnel and experts have questioned the scheme.
“Indian National Congress stands firmly with you and promises to protect your interests and fight to get this scheme back. Like a true patriot, we will raise your voice in front of the government by following the path of truth, non-violence, restraint and peace,” she added.