Pilot hits out at Centre over amending Agniveer says decisions taken without due consultation

Jaipur, Nov 5 (PTI) Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday accused the BJP-led Centre of repeatedly taking major policy decisions without adequate consideration and then reversing them, citing the Agniveer scheme, farm laws and caste census.

     Talking to reporters here, Pilot said the government had introduced the Agniveer scheme despite concerns raised by the Congress over the future of youths recruited into the armed forces for four years.

     "We had raised questions about the Agniveer scheme from the very beginning. We had said youths leaving the armed forces after four years would feel cheated and uncomfortable," he said.

     Pilot questioned the reasons behind introducing the scheme and the subsequent changes being considered by the government.

     He said the government owes an explanation for both its original decision and the changes being made to the scheme.

     The Congress leader alleged that the government is "experimenting" with serious issues affecting society and the economy.

     He cited the withdrawal of the three farm laws following prolonged protests and the government's decision to conduct a caste census after initially opposing the demand raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

     "Rahul Gandhi has been demanding a caste census for a long time, but he was called an urban Naxal. Then suddenly, the government came out in support of a caste census," Pilot said.

     Pilot said unemployment, inflation and the problems faced by farmers have created widespread dissatisfaction among people.

     On the BJP's 'Loktantra Bachao' rally in Jaipur, Pilot accused the ruling party of weakening democratic institutions while claiming to protect democracy.

     "I am surprised that Union ministers and BJP chief ministers are now taking out marches. You have made a mockery of the Election Commission," he alleged.

     Pilot accused the BJP of undermining the independence of institutions and said questions are also being raised about the functioning of central investigation agencies, judiciary and bureaucracy.

     He alleged that attempts are being made to remove the names of 13.5 crore people from electoral rolls and said protecting the right to vote has become a major issue across the country.

     "The right to vote is the most fundamental right in a democracy. How can anyone tolerate interference with that right?" he said.

     Pilot said elections must provide a level playing field and there should be an impartial Election Commission, transparent procedures and accountability.

     "People should decide who comes to power and who does not. For that, everyone must have the right to vote, and the umpire must be impartial," he said.

     Referring to Punjab, Pilot accused the Centre of failing to address the state's problems.

     The Congress in-charge for Punjab questioned what the Centre had done to stop the smuggling of drugs and weapons across the Pakistan border and alleged that Punjab had received neither a special package nor significant industrial investment.

     Pilot also claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party was losing public support in Punjab.

     He said Congress had played an important role in Punjab's development, including the Green Revolution and efforts to restore peace after the period of militancy.

     "We will fight the Punjab elections strongly and form the government," he asserted.

     Referring to a Congress rally in Sangrur on Wednesday, Pilot claimed that a large number of people had gathered to hear party president Mallikarjun Kharge despite attempts by police and administration to stop them.

     He described the rally as the formal launch of Congress' election campaign in Punjab.

     Pilot also accused BJP leaders of arrogance and said they should focus on the problems faced by youths, women and ordinary people instead of mocking the opposition.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)