Ghazipur (Uttar Pradesh), Nov 4 (IANS) Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) MLA from Uttar Pradesh’s Jakhanian, Bedi Ram, has described the Central Government’s decision to extend the service tenure of Agniveers as a befitting response to opposition leaders, particularly Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who had repeatedly raised questions over the Agnipath scheme.

Speaking to the media in Ghazipur on Wednesday, Bedi Ram said that when the Agnipath recruitment scheme was introduced, opposition leaders had strongly criticised the government and created controversy over the future of Agniveers. However, the latest decision by the Narendra Modi government had addressed several concerns surrounding the scheme.

Under the revised arrangement announced by the Centre, 75 per cent of Agniveers from the first batch will be offered an additional two-year service extension, while 25 per cent will be considered for retention in the regular armed forces, subject to the prescribed selection process.

Bedi Ram said the decision would provide additional opportunities to young people who wished to continue serving the country. He also expressed confidence that the government would make further arrangements for those completing their extended tenure.

Targeting Akhilesh Yadav, the MLA said that the Samajwadi Party leader had repeatedly questioned the government over the Agniveer scheme. According to Bedi Ram, the latest announcement is an appropriate response to the criticism raised by opposition leaders.

During the interaction, Bedi Ram was also asked about the recent statement made by SBSP national president Om Prakash Rajbhar in Banda, in which he reportedly spoke about his associations with people such as Dhananjay Singh and Mukhtar Ansari. The statement has attracted considerable attention on social media.

Defending Rajbhar’s remarks, Bedi Ram said Banda falls in the Bundelkhand region, where people from weaker and marginalised sections have historically faced pressure from powerful elements. He explained that Rajbhar’s words were intended to boost the confidence of disadvantaged communities and encourage them to become more aware of education and employment opportunities.

Bedi Ram further said that the meaning of words could vary depending on the context and location, adding that Rajbhar’s intention was to strengthen the morale of deprived and marginalised sections of society.

–IANS

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