Bihar: Agnipath scheme opposed by all major political parties, including BJP allies

PATNA: All major political parties in Bihar, except the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are opposing the controversial Agnipath scheme for recruitment in the armed forces.
Even Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi-led Hindustani Awam Morcha Secular (HAMS), which are the saffron party’s allies in the Bihar government, spoke against the ‘Agnipath’ scheme and demanded its review.
JD(U) national president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh on Friday came out with a fresh plea to the Narendra Modi government for an immediate review of the Agnipath scheme. He also urged the Centre to assure protesting students and youth that their future would not be adversely affected by the new recruitment policy in the armed forces.
"The announcement of 'Agnipath' scheme by the Centre has triggered resentment among students and youths of Bihar and other parts of the country. Violent incidents are occurring in different places. The Centre should take immediate cognizance of the development. At the same, the Union government should review the new scheme. If that is not possible, it must assure the students and youths that the scheme is not going to adversely affect their future," the JD(U) chief said here on Friday.
The JD(U), which is the largest alliance partner of the BJP at the Centre, also runs a coalition government in Bihar with the larger support of the saffron party. Nitish’s party also supports a BJP-led government in Manipur.
Lalan had made a similar demand on Thursday, asking the Centre to think of an "immediate review" (avilamb punarvichar) of the ‘Agnipath’ scheme “which has given rise to fears and anxieties in the minds of a large number of youths in Bihar and other parts of the country.”
The BJP’s other ally- the HAMS went a step ahead and demanded immediate recall of the Agnipath scheme and restoration of the old recruitment system in the army.
“The ‘Agnipath’ scheme is a dangerous step in the interest of the country and the youths. I request PM Narendra Modi to recall the new scheme with immediate effect and make an announcement for the restoration of the old recruitment system in the army," former Bihar CM and HAMS de-facto leader Jitan Ram Manjhi had said on Thursday.
On Friday, Manjhi issued a fresh statement saying, "his party HAMS is with the youths of the country on the issue of ‘Agnipath’ scheme."
Manjhi also announced that his party extends "in principle" support to the call for Bihar bandh on June 18 in the interests of the youths and the country.
Besides the BJP allies in the NDA, all opposition parties, including RJD, Congress, CPI-ML, CPI and CPM are opposing the scheme.