Kejriwal pledges Rs one crore each for martyrs in Uttarakhand

In a major outreach to defence, paramilitary and police personnel in election-bound Uttarakhand, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday promised an ex-gratia payment of ₹1 crore each to families of persons who die in the line of duty on the border or in any operation as "samman rashi" (honour amount) if the party comes to power in the state.

Kejriwal highlighted the Delhi government's scheme offering ₹1 crore to the families of defence and police personnel killed in action. He was addressing his party's 'Uttarakhand Nav Nirman Rally' at Parade ground in Dehradun on Monday.

Kejriwal's announcement is politically significant in the hill state, which has a large presence of serving and retired army personnel. "If soldiers make up their mind, no one can stop the AAP from coming to power in the state," Kejriwal told the gathering.


AAP has selected Ajay Kothiyal, a retired army colonel, as its chief ministerial candidate for upcoming polls. Kejriwal also promised that if AAP is voted to power in the state, ex-servicemen will be offered government jobs. Highlighting the emphasis given to education by the late BR Ambedkar, Kejriwal said his party will ensure proper education for everyone in the state.