The Congress and its allies seem to have an incurable problem: whenever the Narendra Modi government introduces a reform, particularly one aimed at strengthening national security, their first instinct is to oppose it, discredit it and manufacture controversy. The latest revision of the Agnipath scheme is yet another example of this political bankruptcy. Instead of welcoming a significant course correction that offers young Bharatiyas a longer opportunity to serve the nation, the Opposition appears more interested in keeping its political campaign against the scheme alive.
Introduced in June 2022, Agnipath was conceived as a major defence recruitment reform, intended to make the armed forces younger, fitter and better equipped to meet the challenges of rapidly evolving warfare, including technological and modern combat requirements. Like any major policy reform, it was subject to periodic assessment. Now, following four years of experience and positive feedback from the armed forces, the Union Cabinet has approved a substantial revision. The 25 per cent of Agniveers selected on merit will continue to enter regular service after four years, while the remaining 75 per cent will be offered an additional two-year engagement. On completing six years, those willing and meeting the prescribed selection criteria will have a pathway to regular enrolment.
This is no cosmetic adjustment. It addresses one of the principal concerns surrounding the original arrangement by providing a longer engagement, enhanced remuneration, an improved Seva Nidhi package and a further opportunity for regular military service. The government has demonstrated that it is prepared to review, refine and improve a policy in the light of experience. More importantly, the revision follows recommendations from the Defence Forces themselves. It is difficult to understand what exactly the Congress and its allies find objectionable about giving more willing and deserving young people an opportunity to continue serving the country.
Does the Opposition believe that a policy, once introduced, must remain frozen regardless of experience? Or is its real objection that the Modi government is willing to correct shortcomings rather than abandon reforms to satisfy political opponents? Constructive criticism is welcome in a democracy. But opposing every initiative simply because it comes from a government one dislikes is neither responsible politics nor meaningful parliamentary opposition.
What makes this hostility particularly reprehensible is the Congress-led Opposition’s disturbing record of dragging the armed forces into political controversies. From demanding proof of the surgical strikes to questioning military actions and casting aspersions on Operation Sindoor, sections of the Opposition have repeatedly appeared more eager to challenge the government’s claims than to recognise the professionalism and sacrifices of the forces. The reported derogatory description of an Army Chief as a ‘sadak ka goonda’ was an especially disgraceful example of how low political discourse can sink. Such language does not hurt the government alone; it insults an institution that stands above partisan politics.
National security cannot become a convenient playground for political one-upmanship. The armed forces are not extensions of any political party, nor should their operational decisions, institutional assessments or recruitment reforms be reduced to ammunition for electoral battles. The government has a responsibility to consult the services, assess their requirements and act in the larger national interest. The Opposition, in turn, has a responsibility to exercise restraint when commenting on matters that directly concern military preparedness and morale.
The Congress and its allies must understand that criticism without credible alternatives is not leadership. Nor does repeatedly questioning the armed forces make them champions of democracy. If anything, it exposes their desperation to find fault even where a constructive correction is being made.
The Agnipath revision deserves scrutiny on its merits, just as every defence policy should. But reflexive opposition, political theatrics and attempts to undermine public confidence in the armed forces deserve outright rejection. Bharat’s security and the aspirations of its youth are far too important to be sacrificed at the altar of the Congress’s political obsession. The country needs a responsible Opposition, not one that sees a political enemy in every national initiative.
