Report

EX-SERVICEMEN CELL

29 Generals Join Congress

AICC Ex-Servicemen Cell, worked out a hectic schedule for the election campaign in the months of April and May. Capt. Praveen Davar attended a meeting of ex-servicemen in Ranchi on April 4 which was organized by the Jharkhand PCC Ex-Servicemen Cell. Later, he addressed a press conference, highlighting the corruption and other shortcomings of the NDA government which received a wide coverage in the State print media and local electronic media.

The Chairman, AICC Ex-Servicemen Cell, Lt. Gen. M.M. Lakhera and Capt. Praveen Davar undertook an extensive tour of ex-servicemen dominated states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Haryana from 3rd to 8th May. Election meetings were addressed by them in Ambala (3 May), Ropar (4 May), Jalandhar (4 May), Ludhiana (4 May), Jawalamukhi (5 May) and Hamirpur (6 May). While Gen. Lakhera addressed a press conference in Rewari (Haryana) on 8th May, Capt. Praveen Davar addressed meetings in Uttaranchal on 7th and 8th May.

Earlier, 29 senior retired officers of the rank of Lt. General, Maj. General joined the Congress in the presence of Capt. Amrinder Singh, Chief Minister, Punjab. The Chairman, Lt. Gen. M.M. Lakhera and Secretary, Capt. Praveen Davar attended the meeting which was organized by the AICC Ex-Servicemen Cell.

Capt. Amarinder Singh explained the difficult fiscal situation in Punjab which he inherited from the Akali Government and the steps he was taking to improve the financial position. The Punjab Chief Minister also apprised the distinguished gathering of the measures taken for the welfare of ex-servicemen in the State. Lt. Gen. M.M. Lakhera dwelt on the issue of ‘one rank – one pension’ and said that the more important issue was of changing the present pension formula. He also explained why ex-servicemen should join the Congress since it was the only party above religion, caste and region. Capt. Praveen Davar gave a detailed account of the points submitted for inclusion in the Congress manifesto. He also condemned the Vajpeyee government for unnecessarily deploying the Army on borders for 10 months and issuing empty threats of ‘Aar Par Ki Ladai’.

The Generals (and equivalent rank in Air Force) who joined the Congress were : 1. Lt. Gen. JS Duggal, 2. Air Marshal RS Bedi, AVSM, VSM, 3. Lt. Gen. BS Randhawa, 4. Lt. Gen. Harwant Singh, 5. Lt. Gen. Depinder Singh, 6. Maj. Gen. KMKS Baraich, 7. Maj. Gen. HS Talwar, AVSM, 8. Maj. Gen. Amarjit S. Kahlon, 9. Maj. Gen. Gian S. Bains, 10. Maj. Gen. SS Bains, 11. Maj. Gen. RD Mishra, 12. Maj. Gen. Ranjit S. Her, 13. Maj. Gen. SS Sharma,
14. Maj. Gen. PS Gill, 15. Maj. Gen. Ranjit Singh, AVSM, 16. Maj. Gen. Gurdayal Singh, AVSM, 17. Maj. Gen. JS Talwar, AVSM, 18. Maj. Gen. SS Randhawa, 19. Maj. Gen. Hardayal Singh, 20. Maj. Gen. JM Lal, 21. Maj. Gen. YS Teja, VSM, 22. Maj. Gen. Charanjit Singh, 23. Maj. Gen. RS Bains, AVSM, 24. Maj. Gen. Kartar Singh, PSVM, 25. Air Vice-Marshal JS Saini, 26. Maj. Gen. Gardial Singh, 27. Maj. Gen. S. Sohi, 28. Maj. Gen. Sarpat Singh and 29. Maj. Gen. GS Randhawa.

Lt. Gen. M.M. Lakhera and Capt. Praveen Davar attended a well-organized Sammelan of ex-servicemen at Israna (Panipat) jointly organized by the Haryana PCC Ex-Servicemen Cell and All India Ex-Services Welfare Association. Inaugurating the meeting, Lt. Gen. M.M. Lakhera exhorted the ex-servicemen to unite and rally behind the Congress for redressal of their grievances which was possible only if they become politically active. He also explained the details of ex-servicemen contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and the flaws in the demand of one rank – one pension. Col. Inderjeet Singh, the Chairman of All India Ex-Services Welfare Association gave details of the welfare work carried out by his organisation in the last two decades. He complimented Congress party for being receptive to the demands of ex-servicemen. Col. Bhupender Pal Singh, Chairman Haryana PC Ex-Servicemen Cell spoke about the difficulties being faced by the ex-servicemen while dealing with government officials at District and Block levels. Shri J.M. Singh, Ex-MP and a freedom fighter said that it was the country’s misfortune that it was being led by a person who had collaborated with the British during the freedom struggle for which recorded evidence is available.

Capt. Praveen Davar stated that India under Vajpayee had suffered politically, socially, morally and internationally for which he gave many instances. Lt. Gen. M.M. Lakhera was the Chief Guest at two meetings in Buldhana (Maharashtra – 11 April) and Chandigarh (16 April). Both the meetings were well attended and received wide coverage in the print media.