Raigarh, Chhattisgarh: In a shocking incident, candidates attending the Agniveer Recruitment Rally in Raigarh were transported to the venue in a garbage truck, triggering public outrage and raising serious questions about administrative preparedness. A video of the incident went viral on social media, highlighting the plight of the candidates and exposing lapses in the arrangements.

Free Transport Promise Falls Flat

The recruitment rally, being held at Raigarh Stadium from December 4 to 12, is open to male candidates from all 33 districts of Chhattisgarh. The district administration had earlier announced free transportation for candidates from the railway station and bus stand to the stadium.

However, contrary to these claims, many candidates had to rely on private transport, with some being transported in garbage trucks. This incident has cast a shadow over the arrangements, with many candidates expressing their disappointment and frustration.

Political Reactions

The incident quickly turned into a political flashpoint:

Congress: The opposition slammed the BJP-led administration, accusing them of disrespecting Agniveer aspirants. "First, the central government reduced the dignity of soldiers by introducing the Agniveer scheme. Now, aspirants are being transported in garbage trucks. This shows the BJP’s disregard for the youth and our armed forces," said a Congress spokesperson.

BJP: The BJP responded by condemning the incident and promising strict action. "The free transport arrangements were in place, and this incident is unacceptable. An investigation has been ordered, and those responsible will face consequences," said BJP spokesperson Gaurishankar Shrivastava.

Candidates’ Frustration

Several candidates expressed their disappointment off-camera, citing long waits and inadequate facilities. "We came here with hopes for a better future, but the negligence we’ve faced is disheartening," said one candidate. Some reported having to walk long distances and spend the night in open areas without food or proper shelter.

Official Clarifications

Municipal Commissioner Brijesh Singh Kshatriya denied any official involvement of garbage trucks in the transport arrangements. "Buses were arranged to transport candidates from the railway station and bus stand to the stadium. If anyone used unauthorized transport, it wasn’t part of our arrangements," he clarified.

The Agniveer Recruitment Rally is expected to see participation from over 8,500 candidates across Chhattisgarh. On the first day, 917 candidates from Janjgir-Champa and Sarangarh-Bilaigarh districts participated. The event was inaugurated by the state’s Finance Minister O.P. Chaudhary, who urged the youth to seize this opportunity.

Future Steps

With the video going viral and public anger mounting, the administration is under pressure to improve the arrangements and ensure such incidents are not repeated. For now, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in organizing large-scale recruitment drives.