Advani supports 'one-rank, one-pension' to ex-servicemen

Terming the ex-servicemen demand for 'one-rank, one-pension' as "logical and rational", senior BJP leader L K Advani on Thursday said the party, if voted to power at the Centre, would implement it.

Terming the ex-servicemen demand for 'one-rank, one-pension' as "logical and rational", senior BJP leader L K Advani on Thursday said the party, if voted to power at the Centre, would implement it.

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"If the people of this country give me the mandate to form the government I will convince my colleagues to implement this demand for one-rank, one-pension", he said.

"It (the demand) is so logical and rational. I don't see why it should not be done," Advani said, addressing hundreds of ex-servicemen, who are holding a dharna for the last 94 days.

The senior BJP leader expressed his dismay at the situation which had led some ex-servicemen to return their medals in protest against the UPA government's alleged apathy to their cause.

"I identify with your cause. It is not a problem of inadequacy but of inequity. It is not a question of funds but of respect. I will ensure that your medals are duly returned," Advani said.

The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement had announced that it will vote only for those who will keep up the respect and dignity of the fraternity.