The Congress on Thursday demanded an apology from the Narendra Modi-led central government for questioning the mental state of the ex-serviceman who allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison.
"The Modi government should apologise to the Indian Armed Forces and to the family members of Ram Kishan Grewal for questioning his mental state," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala told reporters here after attending the cremation of the retired Subedar of the Indian Army at Bamla village in the district.
Grewal allegedly consumed poison at a Delhi park on Tuesday evening demanding immediate implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme.
Attacking the government for having accused it of indulging in politics over the death of the ex-serviceman, Surjewala said: "Yes, we are ready to do politics to protect Grewal's family and for the respect of our armed forces."
Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Surjewala said: "If OROP has been granted, why are soldiers protesting? This shows Modiji is lying."
Hundreds of villagers gathered to pay their respects to the deceased.
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Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi reached the village and met the widow of Grewal and other family members before the last rites. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also met the grieving family and announced financial assistance of Rs 1 crore.
Slamming Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for not attending the cremation of Grewal, the Congress leader said: "Why Khattarji didn't attend the cremation of Grewal? Why did he send a cheque of Rs 10 lakh from his aides?"
The Congress leader also targetted Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for not attending the cremation.
--IANS
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