Cong slams any move to cut Army's strength, accuses govt of compromising national security

The Congress on Wednesday accused the Modi government of compromising national security and displaying insensitivity on the issue of joblessness, following reports that there were plans to cut the strength of the Army by 1.5 lakh personnel.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the party is concerned about various reports in this regard and questioned why the Modi government was "not providing adequate funds" to the Army.

The opposition party's reaction came even as the government stated that there was no immediate plan to cut the strength of the Army.

Singhvi said if the reports are true, "then isn't the Modi Government guilty of destroying more jobs in the country? 1.5 lakh families will be severely affected by this decision."
"Then why is the Modi Government not providing adequate funds to the Army?"
He accused Prime Minister Modi of inaction in the matter, saying, "What makes the above worse is that the PMO was aware of the problems with regard to the need for modernization and did nothing despite his urgent intervention being sought."
Singhvi said despite the Parliament report, "it is not known whether the PMO has made any reference to Ministry of Finance in this regard. This Ministry has not received any additional allocation subsequent to taking up the matter with PMO."