TDP Rajya Sabha member hands over ₹3 lakh cheque to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, says gesture is inspired by Nara Lokesh’s ‘Nation First’ vision
New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh TDP Rajya Sabha member Vijay Chintakayala on Thursday donated his first monthly salary of ₹3 lakh to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund after meeting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Mr. Vijay handed over the cheque to the Defence Minister during the meeting. Later, in a post on X accompanied by a photograph with Mr. Singh, he said the donation was meant for the welfare of the families of soldiers who had laid down their lives in the defence of the country.
The contribution comes soon after Mr. Vijay began his tenure in the Rajya Sabha. He was elected from Andhra Pradesh in June and took oath as a Member of Parliament on June 25.
Mr. Vijay said he considered it his duty to stand with the families of soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the country.
The decision, he said, was influenced by TDP National Working President Nara Lokesh’s emphasis on putting the nation first. Mr. Vijay also referred to Mr. Lokesh’s frequent mention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s practice of celebrating Diwali with members of the armed forces.
The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund was established on April 13, 1993, by merging various existing welfare funds. It provides support for welfare and rehabilitation measures for needy ex-servicemen, war widows, disabled veterans and their dependants.
Mr. Vijay said the contribution marked the beginning of his parliamentary journey with a gesture towards those who serve the country and their families.
He also said the values of service and placing national interest above personal interest had influenced his decision to donate his first salary.
The donation comes as Mr. Vijay begins his first term in Parliament after his election to the Rajya Sabha from Andhra Pradesh.
