Pushkar Singh Dhami Celebrates Diwali With Soldiers, Hails Agniveer Decision

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami celebrated Diwali with soldiers and praised members of the armed forces for serving the country while remaining away from their families during festivals and other important occasions.

Dhami extended greetings particularly to personnel of the Garhwal Regiment, saying their dedication and commitment to national service were an example for the entire country.

He said spending time with soldiers during the festival was a memorable experience and highlighted the difficult conditions in which military personnel continue to perform their duties.

Dhami Praises Soldiers’ Dedication

Speaking about celebrating Diwali with the armed forces, Dhami said soldiers remain committed to their responsibilities irrespective of festivals, difficult terrain or challenging circumstances.

He said:

“The way they discharge their duties with dedication and a spirit of service to the nation, staying away from their homes and families, is an exemplary example for all of us.”

Uttarakhand has a long association with the armed forces, with the Garhwal Rifles and Kumaon Regiment among the military formations closely connected to the state.

Sainya Dham to Be Inaugurated Soon, Dhami Says

The Chief Minister also gave an update on Sainya Dham, the military memorial project being developed in Dehradun.

Dhami said construction had been completed and that the memorial would be inaugurated soon before being dedicated to the people of Uttarakhand and the country.

The project is intended to honour soldiers from Uttarakhand who have served and sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Dhami Responds to Amit Shah’s ‘65-Plus’ Target

Dhami also responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s call for the BJP to win more than 65 seats in the next Uttarakhand Assembly election.

Shah set the target during a Dehradun programme marking Uttarakhand’s 26th Foundation Day, urging BJP workers to secure a third consecutive term in the 70-member Assembly.

Dhami said Shah had extensive organisational experience across the country and that BJP workers would work with full commitment towards the target he had set.

The target represents the BJP leadership’s electoral objective rather than a prediction of the election result.

BJP Won 57 Seats in 2017, 47 in 2022

While setting the latest target, Shah referred to the BJP’s performance in the previous two Uttarakhand Assembly elections.

The party won 57 seats in 2017 and 47 seats in 2022. Shah has now called on workers to cross the 65-seat mark in the next election.

Dhami said party workers would focus on organisation and outreach as they prepare for the election.

Dhami Welcomes Two-Year Agniveer Engagement

The Chief Minister also welcomed the Centre’s latest decision concerning personnel recruited under the Agnipath scheme.

On November 4, the Union Cabinet approved an additional two-year engagement period for the remaining 75% of Agniveers, based on their willingness.

Under the original structure, 25% of each Agniveer batch can be offered regular service on merit. Under the new decision, the remaining 75% may serve for another two years, after which they can be considered for enrolment as regular soldiers subject to willingness and prescribed selection criteria.

Dhami Calls Decision a ‘Diwali Gift’

Dhami thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decision and described it as beneficial for Agniveers and their families.

He said:

“It is certainly a Diwali gift for all the young people and their families.”

The Defence Ministry has said the extended engagement will come with higher remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits.

Agnipath Scheme to Continue

The Union government has confirmed that the Agnipath recruitment scheme itself will continue.

According to the Defence Ministry, its review found positive outcomes in areas including physical fitness, motivation, technical adaptability and recruitment reach.

The additional engagement period was introduced following feedback from the armed forces and an assessment of organisational requirements.

Dhami Links Festival With Respect for Armed Forces

The Pushkar Singh Dhami Diwali soldiers interaction combined festive greetings with messages on military service, the Sainya Dham memorial, the BJP’s political preparations and the Centre’s revised Agniveer pathway.

Dhami said the service of soldiers who remain away from their families during festivals should serve as an example of commitment and duty.