Mysuru: Maintaining that soldiers are the true leaders of our country, MLC C.N. Manjegowda has called upon Army servicemen to enter politics.

He was speaking after inaugurating the ‘Naval Day’ programme organised by Naval Veterans Association at a private Hotel in the city yesterday.

“Soldiers find it difficult to lead life after retirement. There is no one to hear their grievances in the society. As such, soldiers should enter politics in order to get their problems or grievances addressed,” Manjegowda said.

Pointing out that he entered the Legislative Council as an Ex-serviceman, Manjegowda said that it was his service in the Army that laid a solid foundation for this. He gets more time to speak in Legislature Sessions because he is an Ex-serviceman, he added.

Noting that Ex-servicemen are getting agricultural lands, tax concession, jobs and various facilities in their native villages or towns, he observed that ‘One Nation-One Pension’ Scheme announced by the Modi Government has benefited Ex-servicemen.

A.K. Shivan of Ujire who had taken part in the Indo-Pak wars in 1965 and 1971, was felicitated on the occasion. Businessman Mohan Kumar donated 70 chairs to the Association.

Rear Admiral Ravi Gaekwad, Association President Gajanan T. Bhat, Vice-President K.V.Uthappa, Nandan, Chandrakumar, Sanjay Prabhu and others  were present.