Chandigarh, May 13
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday targeted the AAP government, alleging that it has failed to release pending dearness allowance instalments and arrears for government employees and pensioners in the state.
Addressing reporters in Chandigarh, Jakhar claimed the ruling AAP government was attempting to divert public attention from key issues in Punjab by creating “new narratives.” He said the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would continue to raise issues concerning employees and public welfare.
Jakhar said more than three lakh government employees and four lakh pensioners in Punjab are waiting for DA instalments and arrears amounting to nearly Rs 15,000 crore. He stated that the Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the Punjab government to clear pending DA arrears by June 30, but alleged that the state government had challenged the order before the court.
Referring to promises made before the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, Jakhar claimed AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal had assured people that they would not have to protest for jobs or face police action, but alleged that the situation had not improved.
“The anti-employee face of the government has been exposed because, for the first time since independence, a government is not only refusing to release DA instalments but is also challenging the provision of granting DA,” Jakhar said.
He maintained that dearness allowance is the rightful entitlement of employees and pensioners and should be released without delay.
Jakhar further alleged that while the Centre and BJP-ruled states, including Haryana and Rajasthan, along with Chandigarh, are providing 60 per cent DA, employees in Punjab are receiving only 42 per cent.
Drawing a comparison with West Bengal, he claimed that people there supported the BJP due to issues related to law and order and employee benefits, adding that Punjab was now facing similar concerns.
He assured employees that the BJP would work to safeguard their interests and ensure payment of pending dues.
On the issue of upcoming local body elections, Jakhar opposed the decision to conduct the polls on ballot paper rather than Electronic Voting Machines. He said the BJP would approach the State Election Commission regarding the matter and would not allow any attempt to influence the election process. Jakhar also said Punjab requires strong leadership and asserted that the BJP remains committed to ensuring the safety of life and property in the state.
