The contentious Agnipath scheme is expected to be the first casualty of the new Modi government. The BJP’s allies, Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), have expressed strong reservations against this scheme and sought a detailed review, contending that it caused "heavy damage" to the NDA during the Lok Sabha elections. The allies also indicated they would push for a nationwide caste census through the new government at the Centre.
These two NDA partners also called for wider consultations on other controversial issues like the “Uniform Civil Code” and “One Nation, One Poll.” The support of the JD(U) and TD is crucial for forming the new NDA government. The government launched the Agnipath scheme on June 15, 2022, to recruit both male and female aspirants into 'below the officer's rank' cadre of the three services for four years as Agniveers.
Candidates aged between 17.5 and 21 years are eligible to apply for the scheme. Echoing similar sentiments, LJP (RV) chief Chirag Paswan said he is also in favour of a review of the Agnipath scheme.
“We must revisit how much we could deliver through this scheme.” Talking to the media here, JD(U) leader K.C.
Tyagi said his party has demanded a review of the Agnipath scheme and will "pursue" the caste census issue, which he asserted was the need of the hour. "There is anger among voters over the (short-term army recruitment) Agniveer scheme. Our party wants those shortcomings to be removed, on which people .
