New Delhi:

Defence minister Rajnath Singh was on Saturday discharged from AIIMS here, two days after he was admitted to the hospital with complaints of back pain, an official said on Saturday.

According to Dr Rima Dada, All India Institute Medical Sciences media cell in-charge, Rajnath Singh was evaluated and treated for back pain. The minister was discharged around 2 pm on Saturday, Dada said.

Rajnath Singh was admitted to the the hospital’s old private ward under the neurosurgery department early Thursday, she said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here on Thursday with complaints of back pain, hospital officials said.

He is stable and under observation, AIIMS media cell in-charge Dr Rima Dada said, adding he is undergoing tests.

The 73-year-old was admitted early in the morning and is in the Old Private Ward, she said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Richard Marles congratulated Rajnath Singh for taking charge as the Defence Minister for a second consecutive term. File
| Photo Credit: ANI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephone conversation with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles on July 4 and the discussions focused on closer collaboration between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific. 

“We reviewed a range of issues pertaining to defence cooperation and discussed closer collaboration between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific. We place great value on India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia,” Mr. Singh said on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter). 

Both Ministers noted the transformative progress in defence cooperation under the comprehensive strategic partnership, and appreciated the momentum achieved in the ties since the last India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, which the two Ministers attended in November 2023, a Defence Ministry statement said. Australia considers India a top-tier security partner in their National Defence Strategy document released few months back.

Mr. Richard Marles congratulated Rajnath Singh for taking charge as the Defence Minister for a second consecutive term, and appreciated the functioning of the Indian democratic system wherein people voted in large numbers, the statement added.

Reacting to the clarification issued by the Indian Army on the emoluments to Agniveer Ajay Kumar, Defence Minister RajnathSingh said that the “Indian Army is committed to the welfare of Agniveers.”

Taking to X, the defence minister wrote, “Indian Army is committed to the welfare of Agniveers!”

Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) posted a ‘clarification on emoluments to Agniveer Ajay Kumar’ on Wednesday and said certain posts on social media have brought out that compensation hasn’t been paid to the next of kin of the Agniveer.

“Certain posts on Social Media have brought out that compensation hasn’t been paid to the next of Kin of Agniveer Ajay Kumar who lost his life in the line of duty. “It is emphasised that the Indian Army salutes the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar. The last rites were carried out with full Military Honours. Of the total amount due, family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakhs,” ADGPI said in a post on X.

“Ex – Gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately 67 lakhs, as applicable according to the provisions of the Agniveer Scheme, will be paid on Final Account Settlement shortly post-due police verification. The total amount will be Rs 1.65 Cr approximately. It is re-emphasised that emoluments due to a fallen hero are paid expeditiously to the Next of Kin of departed soldiers, including Agniveers,” it added.

Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Defence Minister RajnathSingh of “lying” on the floor of the Lok Sabha over the Agniveer scheme and demanded an apology.

In his video message on X, Rahul Gandhi said that Singh had lied in Parliament about the issue of compensation to families of killed Agniveers.

“The importance of truth in every religion. RajnathSingh lied before Lord Shiva’s photo about the compensation to the country, its armed forces, and Agniveers. I have said in my speech that don’t listen to me or his (RajnathSingh) speech, but listen to the family of Agniveer family,” the Leader of the Opposition said in a video message.

He shared the video of the father of Agniveer Ajay Singh who died in Jammu and Kashmir and said that despite Singh‘s claims, his family had not received the promised compensation.

Ajay Singh‘s father said, “RajnathSingh made the statement that families of killed soldiers have been given Rs 1 crore compensation but no such assistance had been received by his family. Rahul Gandhi is raising our voice in Parliament that families of martyrs must get all necessary help. Agniveer recruitment must stop and regular recruitment should be reinstated,” the father of Agniveer Ajay Singh said.

The Congress leader demanded an apology from the Defence Minister.

“The Defence minister had lied to the family of killed Ajay Singh ji, the armed forces and the youth of the country, and must apologise to them. Daro mat, Darao mat,” he added.

The Army, in a late-night post on Wednesday, has clarified that Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family has been paid Rs 98.39 lakh within hours of Rahul Gandhi’s claim that Rajnath Singh “lied” to parliament about compensation of Rs 1 crore being paid to the family. 

“Certain posts on Social Media have brought out that compensation hasn’t been paid to the Next of Kin of Agniveer Ajay Kumar who lost his life in the line of duty,” said the Army in a post on X, underlining that it salutes the supreme sacrifice made by the Agniveer. 

*CLARIFICATION ON EMOLUMENTS TO AGNIVEER AJAY KUMAR*

Certain posts on Social Media have brought out that compensation hasn’t been paid to the Next of Kin of Agniveer Ajay Kumar who lost his life in the line of duty.

It is emphasised that the Indian Army salutes the supreme… pic.twitter.com/yMl9QhIbGM

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 3, 2024

“The last rites were carried out with full Military Honours. Of the total amount due, family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakhs. Ex – Gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately 67 lakhs, as applicable according to the provisions of the Agniveer Scheme, will be paid on Final Account Settlement shortly post due Police verification. The total amount will be Rs 1.65 Cr approximately,” the Army added. 

Reposting the Army’s clarification, Rajnath Singh’s office said, “Indian Army is committed for the welfare of Agniveers.”

Sources have told NDTV that Rs 98 lakh were paid to the Agniveer’s family in June-end.

The clarification came within two hours of a video message by Rahul Gandhi, doubling down on his statement that compensation has not been paid to Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family.  

“Protection of truth is the basis of every religion. But Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lied in Parliament about the assistance given to the family of martyred Agniveer. Agniveer Ajay Singh’s father himself has told the truth about their lies. The Defence Minister should apologise to the Parliament, the country, the Army and the family of Agniveer Ajay Singh ji,” said Mr Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, seated next to a Lord Shiva picture.

सत्य की रक्षा हर धर्म का आधार है!

लेकिन रक्षा मंत्री राजनाथ सिंह ने शहीद अग्निवीर के परिवार को सहायता मिलने के बारे में संसद में झूठ बोला।

उनके झूठ पर शहीद अग्निवीर अजय सिंह के पिता जी ने खुद सच्चाई बताई है।

रक्षा मंत्री को संसद, देश, सेना और शहीद अग्निवीर अजय सिंह जी के… pic.twitter.com/H2odxpfyOO

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 3, 2024

Launched in 2022, Agnipath scheme provides for short-term induction of personnel into the armed forces with an aim to bring down the age profile of the three services. Those recruited under the scheme are called Agniveers.

In the same video, the father of Ajay Singh stated that “their family had not received” any compensation from the Central government, which runs counter to the statement made by the Defence Minister.

“Rahul Gandhi is raising our voice in Parliament that families of martyrs must get all necessary help. Agniveer recruitment must stop and regular recruitment should be reinstated,” said the Agniveer’s father.

Over the years, the ministries of Defence and Home have reiterated that there is no official usage of the term ‘martyr’.

Under the existing provisions, families of Agniveers who die in the line of duty are not eligible for regular benefits like pension.

Families of Agniveers dying in the line of duty should get the same benefits that are extended to those of regular military personnel, a parliamentary panel recommended in February.

Earlier on Monday, Rajnath Singh objected to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in Lok Sabha on the Agniveer scheme and said financial assistance of Rs 1 crore is given to the family of the Agniveer who dies in the line of duty or during a war.

“You are creating a divide between soldiers. One will get the name of a martyr, while one will not (the Agniveer). One will get the pension, while the other will not (the Agniveer). An Agniveer is not called a jawan. And then you call yourself a patriot,” said Mr Gandhi, suggesting there are two classes of soldiers. 

Mr Singh accused Mr Gandhi of trying to mislead the House by making wrong statements.

“He (Rahul Gandhi) should not try to mislead the House by making wrong statements. Financial assistance of Rs one crore is given to the family of the Agniveer who sacrifices his life while protecting our borders or during war,” said the Defence Minister.

“Galat nahi hai, sir; galat nahi hai, sir (I am not wrong, sir; I am not wrong, sir),” Mr Gandhi protested to the Speaker.

Mr Gandhi used both compensation and pension in his speech and while replying Mr Singh used the word compensation.

“Regarding the Agniveer scheme, direct communication was established with many people, 158 organizations, their suggestions were taken, then this Agniveer scheme has been brought. This scheme has been brought after a lot of thought,” Mr Singh said. 

The Centre maintains that a good financial package to Agniveers at the end of their four-year service will give them a good head start, besides the unique experience of working in the forces.

New Delhi:
After Rahul Gandhi’s fiery speech in Parliament yesterday, in which he launched a scathing attack on BJP – large portions of which have been expunged from official records – the stage is set for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated response

Here are 10 points on this big story:

Polls are long over. The action has moved to parliament. It’s now time for debate and discussion. And, disagreements, too. The Lok Sabha witnessed one such spirited exchange between Rahul Gandhi, the first time Leader of Opposition, and Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, over Agniveers. 

Mr Gandhi, while speaking in Lok Sabha, targeted the government over the Agnipath scheme, terming it “use-and-throw labour” for the government.

Launched in 2022, Agnipath scheme provides for short-term induction of personnel into the armed forces with an aim to bring down the age profile of the three services. Those recruited under the scheme are called Agniveers.

“One Agniveer lost his life in a landmine blast but he is not called a ‘martyr’. I call him a martyr but the government of India does not call him a martyr. PM Modi does not call him a martyr. He calls him an Agniveer. His family will not get a pension. They won’t get a compensation. He won’t be called a martyr. His people won’t get a pension. They won’t get a compensation. Agniveer is use and throw like a labourer,” said Mr Gandhi, dressed in his trademark T-shirt and trousers.

Under the scheme, youngsters in the 17.5 years-21 years age group are inducted for a four-year period. There is a provision to retain 25 per cent of these recruits for 15 more years. The remaining will be given a financial package as their service comes to an end. 

The short-term service plan in the armed forces had triggered violent protests in several parts of the country.

“Ek Jawan aur doosre jawaan ke beech main phoot daalte ho, ki ek ko pension milega, ek ko shaheed ka darja milega aur doosre ko nahi milega. Aur apne aap ko deskhbhakt kehte ho (You are creating a divide between soldiers. One will get the name of a martyr, while one will not (the Agniveer). One will get the pension, while the other will not (the Agniveer). An Agniveer is not called a jawan. And then you call yourself a patriot,” said Mr Gandhi, suggesting there are two classes of soldiers. 

Objecting to LoP Rahul Gandhi’s statement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, “He Rahul Gandhi) should not try to mislead the House by making wrong statements. Financial assistance of Rs one crore is given to the family of the Agniveer who sacrifices his life while protecting… https://t.co/gJLaQLFdiO

— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2024

At this point, Rajnath Singh, seated between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, stood up to oppose. 

“He (Rahul Gandhi) should not try to mislead the House by making wrong statements. Financial assistance of Rs one crore is given to the family of the Agniveer who sacrifices his life while protecting our borders or during war,” said the Defence Minister.

“Galat nahi hai, sir; galat nahi hai, sir (I am not wrong, sir; I am not wrong, sir),” protested Mr Gandhi.

Mr Gandhi used both compensation and pension in his speech and while replying Mr Singh used the word compensation.

“Regarding the Agniveer scheme, direct communication was established with many people, 158 organizations, their suggestions were taken, then this Agniveer scheme has been brought. This scheme has been brought after a lot of thought,” Mr Singh said. 

Under the existing provisions, families of Agniveers who die in the line of duty are not eligible for regular benefits like pension.

In an interview to NDTV before the polls, Mr Singh underlined that “one of the factors behind starting this scheme is to bring more young people into the armed forces”. 

The Congress has argued that the scheme will leave Agniveers unemployed at the age of 25. It also said that it affect cohesion in the forces as short-term recruits serve alongside soldiers eligible for secure pensions and more generous allowances.

They Centre maintains that a good financial package to Agniveers at the end of their four-year service will give them a good head start, besides the unique experience of working in the forces.

Families of Agniveers dying in the line of duty should get the same benefits that are extended to those of regular military personnel, a parliamentary panel recommended in February.

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New Delhi:

The BJP will never change the Preamble of the Indian Constitution or end reservation, Union Minister Rajnath Singh said in an exclusive interview with NDTV. Mr Singh said that the Congress had changed the Preamble in 1976, but is now trying to unnecessarily target the BJP and make it a poll issue.

“In 1976, the first time a change was made to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. And that was done by Indira Gandhi,” Mr Singh told NDTV.

“And our constituent assembly was then of the consensus that amendments can be made to the Constitution as required. Congress and other political parties have done this a lot. But there is no question of making changes in the preamble. But they did it, and are now trying to blame us. The BJP does not even think about it,” he added.

Rajnath Singh’s remarks come after claims by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that the BJP will “tear up and throw away” the Constitution if it retains power. Some other Congress functionaries had expressed apprehensions that the BJP may drop the word “secularism” from the Preamble of the Constitution.

Mr Singh also said that the ruling party has no plans of ending caste-based reservation, but will never give reservation based on religion.

“Why would we end reservation? This country needs reservation for OBC, ST. They (Opposition) are the ones talking about giving reservations on the basis of religion. But we say that in no situation will we give religion-based reservation as the Constitution does not allow it,” the Defence Minister said.

The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is hoping to win their third ongoing term. Six of the seven phases of voting for the Lok Sabha elections have already been held, with results to be announced on June 4 after the final round of voting on June 1.

New Delhi:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has snubbed Opposition charges over alleged Chinese intrusions with an assertion that no one can occupy even an inch of land in the country.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, he also said that his party has never questioned the courage and bravery of the country’s soldiers.

“As the Defence Minister, I want to assure the citizens that no one can capture even one inch of land of the country,” he asserted as the Opposition continued to press the government over alleged incursions. On multiple instances earlier, the government had denied Opposition claims that China had taken away India’s land. 

India and China witnessed a border standoff in 2020 as the soldiers of the two countries clashed near the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh.

Mr Singh said that the two countries are now holding commander-level talks to solve the border dispute, the details of which cannot be revealed at this stage. But, if it’s discussed, it will make the people proud, he said.

“Commander-level talks are being held currently between India and China in a good atmosphere and I think we must wait for the results. But if I start discussing what’s at which point, people will feel proud. But I don’t want to reveal the details right now because talks are underway between the two countries,” said the Defence Minister.

Tensions between the two countries had spiralled again in December 2022 when another clash erupted along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector, with the government accusing China of trying to “unilaterally” change the status quo along the LAC.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh to be a part of Tibet, which India has rejected multiple times in the past. India maintains Arunachal is an integral part of the country.

New Delhi:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed confidence the BJP and its allies will win over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections this time.

Mr Singh’s comment comes on a day people voted in the sixth of the seven-phase elections. The last round of voting will be held on June 1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as other BJP leaders have also been saying the party will cross 400 seats this election.

“400 paar (crossing 400) was not just our campaign slogan, but our resolve. After six phases, we are very confident of crossing that number,” Mr Singh told NDTV in an exclusive interview.

PM Modi also told NDTV on May 12 during a roadshow in Bihar that the BJP will expand its footprint hugely in eastern India this time, which would take the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) easily over the 400-seat mark.

“I have visited almost all the states of India. And I can say that Bihar has added many colours to the BJP and NDA’s resolution of ‘400 paar’. The atmosphere in Bihar is the same as that of the entire country,” PM Modi had said.

Mr Singh contested from Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow constituency this time again. He had won from there twice. Lucknow is a prestigious seat previously represented by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

When the BJP retained power in 2019, with an even larger seat share than in 2014. Mr Singh remained one of the key members of PM Modi’s cabinet and was given charge of the Defence Ministry.

Keeping in mind the spirit of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Mr Singh banned the import of 101 defence-related items in 2020. In May 2021, he decided that 108 military weapons and systems, including next-generation corvettes, airborne early warning systems, tank engines and radars would be entirely made in India.