Implement OROP in true spirit: Arvind Kejriwal

Joining the agitating ex-servicemen at Jantar Mantar on Friday evening, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal asked the Centre to implement one rank, one pension (OROP) for the veterans in its “true spirit” rejecting its recent notification in this regard. Mr Kejriwal did not address the gathering as he was asked not to make any “political statement” by Maj. Gen. Satbir Singh (Retd), who is spearheading the movement.

“The government notification is a farce because it is not in its true spirit. Please don’t fool the veterans. Implement OROP as per its definition. They are not begging but asking for their rights. It is unfortunate that the country’s soldiers are fighting for their rights on the streets,” Mr Kejriwal told reporters close to the makeshift stage at the venue.

He also tweeted his support for the ex-servicemen, saying all their demands are “logical” and that the BJP-led Centre has been “unjust” to them. “Centre shud immediately accept their demands,” he tweeted.

Few people, mostly in saffron robes, walked past the gathering of the veterans waving black flags and shouting slogans against Mr Kejriwal just after the CM reached the venue. However, they were pushed to a corner by the police. AAP MLAs Alka Lamba, Surender Singh and Devendra Sehrawat and party spokesperson Raghav Chadha accompanied Mr Kejriwal to Jantar Mantar.

The protesting ex-servicemen had earlier met Mr Kejriwal and briefed him about the OROP notification. Welcoming Mr Kejriwal’s support for the demands of the ex-servicemen, Maj. Gen. Satbir Singh (Retd) recounted his days with Anna Hazare, when the veteran activist was leading the anti-corruption movement in the national capital.

Mr Kejriwal was also presented with a cap and T-shirt with OROP written on it, which he wore later. Maj. Gen. Satbir Singh (Retd) also listed his reservations against the government notification and wondered why the government can engage in dialogue with “terrorists and militants” but not ex-servicemen.

“We are against the formation of one-member commission as laid down by the government. The government should come up with a new proposal instead of indulging in political stunts,” he said.