Lok Sabha Election 2024: The country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday lodged a complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with the Election Commission over his recent assertion that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government has created a division amongst soldiers in the defence services with the introduction of Agnipath recruitment scheme. The complaint was submitted by a BJP delegation comprising senior party leaders, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Rahul Gandhi Remark On Agnipath

The BJP's complaint referred to the statement made by Rahul Gandhi at an election rally in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli on Monday (May 13). The incumbent Wayanad MP had said, "PM Narendra Modi has made two types of Jawans. One is the son of a poor, Dalit, minorities and the other is from a rich family. He has given a new name to the son of the poor, Agniveer, who won't be getting any facilities like pension, canteen...but, if you are a senior officer or one amongst the four, you'll get all those things. In the military, they have created 'two-India', two types of 'shaheed'."

'Congress Wants To Lower Forces' Morale'

Rahul Gandhi has been fielded by the Congress party from Raebareli for the ongoing Lok Sabha election. Speaking to reporters after meeting EC officials, Jaishankar said that the Congress is seeking to "lower the morale of the armed forces". "This is a lie. This is an attack on our armed forces. They want to make it a controversial topic and lower the morale of the armed forces. This is not a topic of elections. This is a matter of national security," he stated.

Describing the contentious remark as "very serious", Jaishankar said the BJP delegation urged the EC to take "very strict action" against Rahul Gandhi. "A few years ago, when our soldiers in Arunachal gave a pushback to Chinese forces, then Rahul Gandhi said in Parliament that our soldiers were beaten up. We saw this insult when the Balakot surgical strike was carried out, questions were raised. When we took successful action in Uri, on that also these people raised questions. Many things are said against Gen (Bipin) Rawat," the EAM was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

(With inputs from agencies)