Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani have strongly criticized Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and other BJP leaders, alleging that the BJP’s anti-employee and anti-officer stance has once again come to the fore.
The ministers said the BJP has a track record of ignoring the interests of government employees and officers, including issues related to the Old Pension Scheme and other service matters during its tenure.
They alleged that BJP leaders are now trying to exert political pressure on officials to influence their functioning, calling such statements and threats unfortunate and harmful to democratic values and the administrative system.
They clarified that only the judiciary has the authority to decide the validity of any case, and that all investigations are being conducted strictly under the law. Political leaders, they said, cannot pronounce judgments on legal matters.
Targeting the opposition, they questioned whether similar cases were not registered during the BJP regime, accusing the party of double standards in questioning lawful action today while accepting it earlier.
The ministers also claimed that the BJP is facing internal divisions and a leadership crisis, and is trying to divert attention by creating unnecessary controversies and pressuring officials.
Reiterating the government’s stand, they said the Congress government is committed to rule of law, administrative neutrality, and full protection of employees and officers, ensuring they work without political pressure.
They further said the previous BJP government received around ₹60,000 crore in central assistance but failed to clear pay commission arrears and other employee benefits, while the present government has implemented the Old Pension Scheme and is focusing on employee welfare.
They added that the Congress government enjoys the trust of employees and the public, while the BJP is relying on intimidation and political pressure tactics.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
