Anurag becomes first serving BJP MP to join Territorial Army

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 29

Donning the olive green uniform, cricketer-turned-politician Anurag Thakur, who is also the BJP MP from Hamirpur, today began a new innings as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army (TA), a rare honour for most politicians.

Having carved a niche for himself as a young Parliamentarian, who heads the youth wing of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha), Anurag said it was a proud moment for him as his grandfather too had served in the Army. He today earned a distinction by becoming the first serving BJP MP to join the TA.

The ceremony to induct Anurag was held at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag. Anurag, who recently got elevated as the BCCI president was accompanied by his parents, wife and children. Suhag and Anurag’s father PK Dhumal pinned badges on his shoulder for joining the 124 Infantry Battalion (TA) Sikh Battalion. The 41-year-old MP from Hamirpur cleared the written exam and personal interview conducted by TA in Chandigarh and training held in Bhopal. He has joined the TA as a regular officer and will have to undergo a training at the TA Academy in Delhi.

PK Dhumal said: “It is a big day for me today to see my son as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army. I have worked all my life for the betterment of society and to see the same passion in my son gives me great joy.”

The TA is an organisation of volunteers who get training for a few days in a year so that they can contribute to the safety of the nation in case of emergency. The Territorial Army is meant for people who are in the mainstream civil professions.