Nitish Kumar begins 'game'; JDU’s first demand before NDA, wants changes in Agniveer?

PATNA: The NDA alliance need the support of JD (U) and Nitish Kumar to form the third Modi Government at the Centre. There were reports that Nitish Kumar had put forward some demands before the BJP in the front meeting convened the other day. Nitish Kumar has demanded three cabinet ministers. JD (U) has also demanded a special status for Bihar.

The JD (U) has now demanded changes in Agniveer, which the central government described it as its proud project. The JD (U) believes that the Agniveer scheme for the recruitment of armed forces influenced the Lok Sabha election results. Under this scheme, youths are recruited for a period of four years. After that, only 25 percent of the Agniveers are retained and the rest are released with some financial incentives.

It is estimated that this project has caused a big setback to the BJP in the states of North India including Bihar. Had promised to withdraw the scheme if INDIA Front came to power and this was mentioned in the election manifesto. The JDU has now demanded modifications in the Agniveer scheme. JDU spokesperson K C Tyagi demanded a change in the plan.

‘Since the implementation of the Agniveer project, there were a lot of criticisms. We have also seen the setback faced in the elections. So, changes are needed in the Agniveer scheme. A section of voters is upset with the Agniveer scheme. It is our party's demand that those shortcomings which have been questioned by the public should be discussed in detail and removed. Nitish Kumar, JDU party national president and chief minister, had written a letter to the head of the law commission. We are not against the project, but some changes are required,’ K C Tyagi, JDU spokesperson told media.

Meantime, NDA may consider the demand put forward by the JDU seriously. With the BJP not getting an absolute majority, the support of JDU is crucial. Talks are being held in Delhi to form the government. Reports said the BJP has put a formula before the NDA in connection with the ministerial berths.