Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday endorsed the suggestion of Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa of bringing a resolution against the 'Agnipath' scheme for military recruitment.
During the zero hour in the ongoing budget session in the Vidhan Sabha, senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa raised the issue of 'Agnipath', arguing the scheme will "negatively" affect the youth of Punjab.
Mr Bajwa expressed apprehension that with the scheme, adding that Punjab's representation in the Army will plunge from 7.8 percent currently to 2.3 percent in future.
"This scheme is against the interests of Punjab," Mr Bajwa said in the assembly house.
He demanded that the chief minister bring a joint resolution in the current assembly session against the Agnipath scheme.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann dubbed the matter an "emotive issue" and endorsing Mr Bajwa's suggestion, said that all state assemblies in the country should bring a resolution against the scheme.
"I am against this and I agree with you," Mr Mann said responding to Mr Bajwa's suggestion, adding it will be considered.
Mr Mann also took on the Centre over demonetisation, the three farm laws -- now repealed, and the goods and services tax.
On the Agnipath scheme, Mr Mann said, "When we think about the idea that a 17-year-old youth will join the defence forces, and most of them will return after mere four years of service ... They will become 'ex' within four years without even any benefits that ex-servicemen are entitled to."
"I strictly oppose this scheme," he said.
Hitting out at the BJP, Mr Mann said, "Their leader Kailash Vijayvargiya is saying if he has to appoint security personnel at his party office, he would give priority to those who have served as 'Agniveers'. This is shameful."
Bhagwant Mann said that he fails to understand why the BJP government brings such laws which face "opposition" from several quarters.
"They brought farm laws, the CAA, now 'Agnipath', and every time they bring these laws they keep saying once people understand they will realise their benefits. Are they the only ones wise enough to understand everything? Those laws which people cannot understand should not be made," he said.
Punjab BJP chief Ashwani Sharma defended the 'Agnipath' scheme and alleged that the house was being misled over this issue.
Countering Mr Bajwa on his suggestion, he said, "It is their compulsion to oppose it (Agnipath) for the sake of opposition."
"They know if this scheme is implemented, they will not come to power in 2029 as well," said the BJP leader.
Ten days ago some youths had held a protest against 'Agnipath' in Jalandhar, and spoken to Mann over the phone.
Mr Mann, besides advising them to hold their protests peacefully, had assured them that the Aam Aadmi Party supports their demands and was in favour of rollback of the scheme.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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