BJP's 'fake nationalism' visible yet again: Kharge on new disability pension rules for armed forces

Congress chief Kharge slams BJP for new disability pension rules for armed forces personnel, alleging "fake nationalism" & "habitual offender" in working against welfare of jawans, ex-servicemen & veterans. Cites Agnipath Scheme, OROP-2 & withdrawal of "Non-Functional Utility" as proof.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on September 30 slammed the BJP over the new disability pension rules for armed forces personnel, alleging that its “fake nationalism” is yet again visible through the move.

The Narendra Modi Government is a “habitual offender” in working against the welfare of jawans, ex-service personnel and veterans, he alleged in a post on X.

According to media reports, the All India Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association has strongly protested against the new policy on disability and death benefits of defence personnel and their widows. The policy was made public on Wednesday by the Ministry of Defence.

In his post on X, Mr. Kharge said, “BJP’s fake nationalism is yet again visible in the new disability pension rules for our brave Armed Forces!” Around 40% of Army officers retire with disability pension and the change in the present policy will flout multiple past judgments, rules and acceptable global norms, he said.

“The All India Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association has strongly protested this new policy by the Modi government, which places soldiers at a disadvantage when compared to civilian employees,” the Congress chief claimed.

In June 2019, the Modi Government had come out with a “similar betrayal” when it announced that it would be taxing disability pensions, Mr. Kharge said.

“[The] Modi Government is a habitual offender in working against the welfare of our jawans, ex-servicemen and veterans,” he said.