📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Unknown photographer
Politics
UP MLA Bedi Ram says Agniveer scheme counters Akhilesh Yadav’s remarks
✍️ The Hawk
🗓 04 Nov 2026, 10:46 PM
👁 23
Uttar Pradesh legislator Bedi Ram hailed the central government's Agniveer initiative as an appropriate response to comments made by Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav.
The central government’s Agniveer programme, announced under the National Recruitment Agency, aims to enlist 2 million youth for a five‑year tenure in the armed forces. The move is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader push to strengthen defence manpower and provide employment opportunities for young Indians.
Uttar Pradesh MLA Bedi Ram praised the decision, describing it as a fitting reply to recent statements by Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Ram said the scheme directly addresses concerns raised by the opposition leader about the government’s defence policies.
Akhilesh Yadav had earlier questioned the timing and implementation of the Agniveer rollout, suggesting it could be politically motivated ahead of upcoming elections. Ram’s comment underscores the growing political contestation surrounding the initiative, with ruling party representatives framing it as a proactive national security measure.
Analysts note that such exchanges reflect the heightened sensitivity of defence‑related reforms in the run‑up to state and national polls, and they may influence public perception of both the central government’s recruitment drive and opposition criticism.
Uttar Pradesh MLA Bedi Ram praised the decision, describing it as a fitting reply to recent statements by Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Ram said the scheme directly addresses concerns raised by the opposition leader about the government’s defence policies.
Akhilesh Yadav had earlier questioned the timing and implementation of the Agniveer rollout, suggesting it could be politically motivated ahead of upcoming elections. Ram’s comment underscores the growing political contestation surrounding the initiative, with ruling party representatives framing it as a proactive national security measure.
Analysts note that such exchanges reflect the heightened sensitivity of defence‑related reforms in the run‑up to state and national polls, and they may influence public perception of both the central government’s recruitment drive and opposition criticism.