The dates for the assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir have been announced. The way the central government has implemented UPS (Unified Pension Scheme) in a hurry makes it clear that the upcoming assembly elections are its target. The Bharatiya Janata Party is not in a position to tolerate another defeat at any cost. The party’s U-turn in at least 4 cases in the last few days shows that the BJP does not want to take any risk now. This is the reason why the government is going to implement OPS even after the country’s economists called it a burden. Whereas the Congress itself had distanced itself from the issue of Old Pension Scheme in the Lok Sabha elections. The Congress had won the elections in Himachal and Karnataka on the issue of bringing back OPS but had not been able to implement it till now. Perhaps this is the reason why the Congress has given up on this issue. If the government wanted, it could have kept quiet about OPS, but in its pursuit to win the elections at any cost, the government has taken such a decision that taking advantage of it is as easy as the government is thinking.
Congress had surrendered regarding OPS (Old Pension Scheme)
There is no doubt that Congress has given up on the Old Pension Scheme. The biggest example of this is that the party did not even mention it in the Lok Sabha election manifesto. Along with this, OPS was never mentioned in Rahul Gandhi’s speeches. Not only this, Congress came to power by promising the Old Pension Scheme in Himachal and Karnataka assembly elections. But till now, considering the financial conditions of the states, these governments have not been successful in implementing OPS. Perhaps this is the reason why Congress was not insisting on this matter for some time.
BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad says, ‘I want to ask Rahul Gandhi – has his government implemented the old pension scheme in Himachal Pradesh as promised? The Congress party has become so wary of the blatant lies of its assurances about pension that it could not muster the courage to include it as part of its manifesto in the Lok Sabha elections. During the assembly elections of Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan in the last two years, the Congress promised the return of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), but did not include it in its Lok Sabha manifesto.
Yet Congress will have the right to take the credit
Nevertheless, Congress can take credit for implementing UPS instead of OPS. Because Congress has been making it an issue in assembly elections. Congress had promised OPS in the assembly elections of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Before this, Congress had promised OPS in the assembly elections of Himachal and Karnataka. Obviously, Congress can rightly say that the government has taken this decision due to its pressure.
Although Congress did not promise OPS in its manifesto in the Lok Sabha elections, except for the big leaders, the entire Congress was seeking votes in the name of OPS. Another thing is that Congress’s allies like Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, RJD in Bihar etc. were openly supporting OPS. Therefore, Congress and the opposition will loudly say in the upcoming elections that the opposition has got a little support and the government has bowed down so much.
On Sunday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took a dig at the Centre, saying, “The ‘U’ in UPS stands for Modi government’s U-turn! After June 4, people’s power has prevailed over the arrogance of the Prime Minister’s power. Rollback in the budget regarding long term capital gains/indexation, Wakf bill being sent to JPC, withdrawal of broadcasting bill, rollback of lateral entry. We will continue to ensure accountability and save 140 crore Indians from this autocratic government.”
Congress has been talking about bringing the Old Pension Scheme in Haryana for a long time. BJP will try to take credit for UPS by going among the people but it will be difficult for them to convince the people. Yes, this much will definitely happen that those BJP voters who wanted OPS will not turn to any other party due to this issue.
The government hopes to address at least one issue of the opposition
It cannot be denied that by implementing UPS, the government has reduced at least one issue of the opposition. This step will affect 23 lakh employees of the central government. Along with this, there is a large section of state employees in every state. The party will also get their support because they will also hope that in the coming days, the state governments will also implement UPS. Actually, government employees may be less in number in terms of voting, but their role is decisive. These employees are the ones who are in direct contact with the public. If the government employees are angry, then they create public opinion against the government. Not only this, the displeasure of government employees during voting is very costly for the ruling governments. If the government employee present at the booth is angry with the government, then he harms in many ways. This is the reason why all governments keep the employees happy. The displeasure of government employees in Uttar Pradesh was also considered to be a reason for the defeat of BJP.
While meeting unions representing government employees, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his government’s move reflects its commitment to a secure future for government employees. We are proud of the hard work of all government employees who make a significant contribution to national progress. The Integrated Pension Scheme ensures dignity and financial security for government employees, which is in line with our commitment to their well-being and secure future.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)