Report

Ex-Servicemen Cell

Demand Removal of Fernandes, Modi

Rajasthan, having the highest number of ex-servicemen amongst the election-going states, the Ex-Servicemen Cell concentrated all its energies during the month by holding rallies/ public meetings in the state.

Nearly 3,000 ex-servicemen and their families participated in a rally organized by the Chairman, RPCC Ex-Servicemen Cell, Capt. M.M. Mathur at Deedwana (District Nagaur) on 7 September. Lt. Gen. M.M. Lakhera, Chairman AICC Ex-Servicemen Cell, who was the chief guest, condemned the NDA government for its failure on issue of national security and inability to modernize the Armed Forces resulting from delayed decision at the Defence Ministry level. He also dwelt at length on the one rank _ one pension scheme and the Ex-Servicemen Health Contributory Scheme (ECHS). The Secretary, AICC Ex-Servicemen Cell, Capt. Praveen Davar while lauding the multi-faceted achievements of the Ashok Gehlot government, especially development of infrastructure and combating drought, launched a frontal attack on Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee for the unprecedented corruption in the Central and BJP ruled / supported states. Capt M.M. Mathur gave details of the work done by the ex-servicemen in the State during his tenure. He also highlighted the various steps taken by the Chief Minister, Shri Ashok Gehlot for the welfare of ex-servicemen. The Secretary of the RPCC Ex-Servicemen Cell, Shri Bhanwarlal Naik conducted the proceedings.

Hony. Capt. Bahadur Singh Rawat was the principal organizer of the public meeting of Jawans and Kisans held at Bhind District (Rajasthan) on 14 September. Inaugurating the function, Lt. Gen. M.M. Lakhera exhorted the ex-servicemen to support Congress in the forthcoming Assembly elections and reject parties that spread communalism and casteism. He ridiculed the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes for his publicity stunts like flying in MiG aircraft and repeated trips to Siachin glacier. The Defence Minister, he said should instead concentrate on utilizing sanctioned funds for timely purchase of equipment for the Defence Forces. Capt. Praveen Davar

stated that though the Vajpayee government had failed on all fronts, its biggest failure was in the field of international affairs as the country, under Vajpayee, had been reduced to a puppet in the hands of Americans and relations with Pakistan had reached the lowest ebb. Capt. M.M. Mathur and Hony. Capt. Bahadur Singh desired that the party should field candidates with a clean image and who have a record of service to the society, especially the welfare of jawans and kisans who share common problems. Over 2,000 ex-servicemen and kisans attended the meeting.

Capt. Praveen Davar inaugurated a well-organized meeting of ex-servicemen and labour at Chittorgarh on 28 September. Welcoming Capt. Praveen Davar and Capt. M.M. Mathur, who was the chief guest, Shri Ghanshyam Singh Ranawat (ex-Navy) gave details of the welfare work undertaken by him in the district which was also appreciated by a number of local leaders who spoke after him, including the DCC president and Chairman, Minority Cell, RPCC.

Capt. Praveen Davar, besides focussing on the corruption and failures of Vajpayee government gave a summary of the role and sacrifices of the Congress leaders in the freedom struggle and in nation building after independence. He exhorted the ex-servicemen to lead the battle against the forces of fascism, communalism and pseudo nationalism represented by the BJP and Sangh Parivar. Capt. Davar also demanded the removal of George Fernandes and Narender Modi. Capt. M.M. Mathur, while listing the measures taken by the Ashok Gehlot government for the welfare of ex-servicemen, appealed for representation of ex-servicemen in the legislatures and the party. Welfare of ex-servicemen, which is a primary objective of the Ex-Servicemen Cell, continued to draw attention during the month. As a result of its efforts the Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot allotted land for opening of medical clinics for ex-servicemen in the districts of Jhunjhunu, Churu, Sikar and Nagaur. Similar efforts are on in other states as well. Canteen services were extended to Mau district in U.P. after the case was taken up with the appropriate authorities in the Army.

Capt. Praveen Davar