A war of words had been going on between Gandhi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh over the compensation paid to the family of Ajay Singh, who had died in a landmine blast at Rajouri sector of Jammu & Kashmir in January this year. On May 29, Gandhi, who had come to Ludhiana for a Lok Sabha election rally, also visited the family in Payal sub-division.

Demanding scrapping of Agniveer Army recruitment scheme started by the BJP-led central government, Gandhi in the recent Lok Sabha session had termed it a “use and throw” scheme that differentiates between permanent soldiers and temporary recruit Agniveers. He had alleged that Ajay Singh’s family has not received any compensation from the Centre. However, Rajnath Singh had termed the allegations false and said that the government provides Rs 1 crore compensation to families of Agniveers, who die in the line of duty.

Ajay Singh’s father Charanjit Singh Kala, a labourer, told The Indian Express: “We have received Rs 98 lakh from insurance cover claim. This includes a cheque for Rs 48 lakh from the Army which is insurance cover, not ex gratia. Another Rs 50 lakh has been received from a private bank which too is a claim of the insurance policy my son had. The Punjab government has given us a compensation of Rs 1 crore. But the claim of Rajnath Singh that the Centre has given us Rs 1 crore compensation is totally untrue. We haven’t received any ex gratia compensation from the Centre or the Army yet.”

After Gandhi’s speech in Lok Sabha, the Army also took to X and claimed that of the total amount of approximately Rs 1.65 crore, the family has been paid Rs 98.39 lakh. The Army, however, admitted that the ex gratia payment was pending. “It is emphasised that the Indian Army salutes the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Singh. The last rites were carried out with full military honors. Of the total amount due, family has been already paid Rs 98.39 lakh. Ex gratia and other benefits amounting to approx Rs 67 lakh, as applicable according to provisions of Agniveer scheme, will be paid on final account settlement shortly post due police verification. The total amount will be Rs 1.65 crore approximately.”

“Return our son. We won’t ask for any money. We don’t need any money if the government can return our son,” said the emotional father.

Smit Singh said: “I came here as I have been deputed by Rahul Gandhi to take care of this family and ensure their all needs are met.”

A video of the family members alleging harassment by electronic media reporters has gone viral on social media.