Defence Ministry rudderless, says Arun Jaitley

NEW DELHI: Describing Defence Ministry under AK Antony as "rudderless and without direction", BJP leader Arun Jaitley today said country's defence preparedness has severely suffered during UPA regime.

"The geopolitical realities compel us to analyse that any future aggression may see the buildup of Pakistan and China axis. Our defence purchases and preparedness have seriously suffered. Under AK Antony, the Raksha Mantralya has been virtually rudderless and without direction," Jaitley wrote in his campaign diary.

The BJP leader, who is is locked in a tough battle against Congress candidate Capt Amarinder Singh in Amritsar, also pointed out that notification effecting the 'one-rank, one-pension' scheme for ex-servicemen is yet to be announced.

"Ex-servicemen are aggrieved by the fact that notwithstanding the promise of implementing 'one-rank, one- pension'. The notification giving effect to the announcement has not been issued," he said.

"A weak-kneed policy of the UPA on the national security adversely impacts the mind set of those who hold national security as the priority issue," added Jaitley.

Referring to Narendra Modi's rallies in Punjab yesterday, he said "Each of these rallies was extremely well attended. The enthusiasm at the rallies, coupled with large attendance, was a give way. The Modi's visit to Punjab is a game changer."

He said, "The most significant section where the Modi appeal is clearly visible is the youth. His ability to charge up and motivate the younger generation has been most evident. In an environment of disillusionment with governance, he appears to have become a nucleus of hope."