Summary:
Chandigarh, Jan 28 (PTI) Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Friday attacked the BJP, saying those who talk of nationalism should answer why 1.22 lakh vacancies in the armed forces have not been filled.
His remarks came at a programme here to launch a Congress booklet "Shaurya ke Naam par Vote, Sena ke Hiton par Chot" that highlights how the BJP government at the Centre "compromised" with the interests of the personnel of the armed forces, but sought votes in the name of their valour.
This document has been prepared from government statements and official data, said Pilot, who released the booklet along with Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera.
Citing a government response in Parliament, Pilot, a senior Congress leader from Rajasthan, claimed that there are as many as 1,22,555 vacancies in the armed forces but the government is doing nothing to fill these vacancies or for the welfare of soldiers.
"Those who talk of nationalism, they should answer why these posts have not been filled for the last seven years," he said while taking to reporters.
"The government has accepted that 1,22,555 posts are vacant in the armed forces, out of which 10,000 posts are of officers.