What an achievement! Anurag Thakur becomes first BJP MP to be commissioned into Territorial Army

New Delhi: Anurag Thakur on Friday became the first serving BJP parliamentarian to be commissioned into the prestigious Territorial Army.

After the induction ceremony, the BJP MP said “It's a great honour for me to be commissioned into territorial army. Will always be ready to serve my nation.”

The 41-year-old has become the first serving BJP MP to join the force.

Thakur made it to the Territorial Army after clearing a written exam and a personal interview round in Chandigarh. His training was held in Bhopal.

As a regular officer, the Lok Sabha member from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh will have to further undergo a mandatory training.

The Territorial Army, the second line of defence after the regular army, is composed of volunteers who receive military training for about a month in a year so that in case of an emergency they can be mobilised for the defence of the country.

The Territorial Army is not a profession, occupation or a source of employment. It is only meant for people who are already in mainstay civilian professions. In fact, gainful employment or self-employment in a civil profession is a pre-requisite for joining the Territorial Army.

Thakur's grandfather was also in the army. The BJP MP wanted to join the armed forces but could not do so as his career got diverted to cricket and politics.