Amid intense speculation about the government formation for the third term of Narendra Modi, Janata Dal (United) has said it is seeking a review of the Agnipath scheme, launched by the BJP government in 2022. JD(U) Spokesperson K C Tyagi told CNN-News18 that the party wants a detailed discussion on the scheme, under which defence personnel are employed for four years.
“Our party wants a detailed discussion on the issue of Agnipath because people have formed their views on this. JD(U) stands with the sentiments expressed by the public. We want a review of this scheme because the public and former defence personnel have expressed concern regarding this scheme,” Tyagi told CNN-News18 in roughly translated Hindi.
NDA sources said that the loss in constituencies like Aarah, Jehanabad, Kishanganj, and Patliputra are being assessed to see if youth resentment over jobs and policies like Agnipath had a role to play. Senior JDU Leader Ashok Chowdhary said the party would want to sit with the other NDA constituents and discuss this policy threadbare. Congress and other India front partners had made Agnipath an election issue. On Thursday, Congress leader Deepender Hooda said JDU’s stance on Agnipath is correct. “The whole country is against it. What JD(U) has said is correct,” Hooda said.
UCC and ONOP
JDU leaders also indicated that the BJP might find it difficult to implement the Uniform Civil Code. K C Tyagi, speaking to CNN-News18, said that while the party was not opposed to UCC it wanted all stakeholders to come on board.
“CM has written to Law Commission earlier also that we are not against UCC but all stakeholders- all political parties, states chief ministers, representatives of religions and sects must be spoken to and only then a decision taken. Wider discussion must happen,” Tyagi said.
JDU MP Elect from Gopalganj, Dr. Alok said that a common minimum program would be made after discussing all these issues and coming to an agreement about the governance priorities of NDA. On one nation, one poll, the JDU leaders said they have no objection. Both UCC and ONOP are part of BJP’s manifesto.
Caste Census
JDU has remained firm on its demand for a caste census across the country. While Rahul Gandhi made this an election issue BJP has been opposed to the idea. K C Tyagi, however, said that JD(U) expected caste enumeration soon. “No party has said no to this. Bihar was the precursor to this, it has shown the path. Even the PM in the all-party has not said no to this…so we will continue to raise the issue. Caste census is the need of the hour,’ he told CNN News18.
Tyagi said that while support for Modi 3.0 government will be unconditional JD(U) expects special status for Bihar soon. “Unconditional support to NDA but special status for Bihar is on our minds. After the division of the State Bihar really suffered…palayan (exodus) happened cause of a lack of development, and employment. …Till Bihar is given special status this will not change,” Tyagi said.
When asked about the number of cabinet berths JD(U) is demanding Lallan Singh, former JDU president said, “It was a prerogative of the PM and Bihar CM.” Ashok Chowdhary added, “Party leader will decide at an appropriate time who all will join the cabinet. He will decide how many cabinet posts, who, etc. As per party interest.” The JD(U) parliamentary party will meet on Friday morning.