Threats expose BJP’s anti-employee face once again : Congress
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani strongly criticized the statements made by Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and other BJP leaders, stating that the BJP’s anti-employee and anti-officer mindset has once again been exposed before the public.
The ministers said that the BJP has a long history of neglecting the interests of government employees and officers. Whether it was the issue of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) or other important rights concerning employees and officers, the BJP consistently failed to protect their interests.
Anirudh Singh and Rajesh Dharmani said that BJP leaders were now attempting to prevent government officers and employees from discharging their lawful administrative responsibilities by exerting political pressure. Publicly threatening officials and warning them of future consequences was extremely unfortunate and undermines democratic values as well as the administrative system.
They emphasized that only the courts have the authority to determine whether cases registered in any matter were valid or invalid – not political leaders. Investigations and judicial proceedings were being carried out in accordance with the law. The Leader of the Opposition should understand that the judiciary was independent, and the legitimacy of any case was decided by courts based on facts and evidence, not political speeches.
The ministers questioned Jai Ram Thakur, asking whether cases were not registered during his tenure in office. Was the rule of law not applicable then? If legal action taken under the BJP government was considered appropriate, how can the same legal process now be termed wrong? This, they said, clearly reflects the BJP’s double standards and political opportunism.
Anirudh Singh and Rajesh Dharmani further stated that the BJP was currently facing serious internal factionalism and a leadership crisis. To divert public attention from growing dissatisfaction and internal conflicts within the party, the BJP leadership was creating unnecessary controversies and attempting to pressure government officers and employees. They added that the people of the state were fully aware of these political tactics.
The ministers reiterated that the state government remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring administrative impartiality and protecting the dignity of government employees and officers. No officer or employee needs to work under political pressure, they said, assuring that the government stands firmly with them and would provide complete protection to enable them to perform their duties as per constitutional provision with utmost impartially.
Both the ministers also pointed out that the previous BJP government had received nearly Rs. 60,000 crore in financial assistance from the Central Government through RDG and GST compensation. Despite this substantial support, it failed to pay employees the arrears due under the Pay Commission recommendations and other pending financial benefits. In contrast, they said, the present government not only implemented the Old Pension Scheme but was also continuously taking concrete steps to safeguard the interests and welfare of government employees and officers.
They concluded by saying that the Congress government was moving forward with the trust and confidence of employees, officers and the general public, whereas the BJP was relying solely on threats and political intimidation. They expressed confidence that the people of the state would give an appropriate response at the right time.
