Describing the ceasefire violation and intrusion as ‘opportunist steps’ by the neighbouring countries, former Army Chief VK Singh said the Union Government must find out a permanent solution to resolve the border issues.
Singh was addressing a gathering of ex-servicemen during a programme at Durga Mandir in Patauda village here on Sunday. He said "We must make it clear that they can't take us for a ride. We are not firm but we must be." Speaking on the issue of one rank-one pension, Singh said the parliamentary committee had accepted the one rank-one pension scheme but officials were unnecessarily putting obstacles in its way.
“When the Government can spend a huge amount of Rs 3.16 lakh crore to provide food to poor people in the country why it is not spending Rs 3600 crore on one rank- one Pension scheme whereas the army personnel protect the whole nation without caring for their lives,” said former Army chief. He maintained that ex-servicemen were united over the issue and they would support those political parties in next polls which would promise them to implement the scheme on priority after coming to power.
Former Army chief admitted that the country requires a change but refuted the reports that he may be joining the BJP. "There is a change required in the country and I don't mind going to any forum, any platform to tell people that we need to unite to bring about a change which will make the country better. But I am not joining the BJP nor am I contesting on their ticket," he said.
later, Singh while responding to a question about BJP’s ex-servicemen rally in Rewari on September 15 said the rally was being organised for the ex-servicemen hence he would attend it if invited. Notably, the rally is likely to be attended by party's poll panel chief and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.