BJP state president N. Ramchander Rao addresses a rally at Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad on Monday. | Photo credit: RAMAKRISHNA G
The Telangana BJP on Monday demanded that the state government immediately release pending pension benefits to employees and set a clear timeline for clearing all arrears instead of “harassing” them by delaying the release of their hard-earned allowances.
Addressing a protest rally organized by the party for retired employees and pensioners at “Dharna Chowk” near Indira Park, state party president N. Ramchander Rao said it was “unfortunate” that ex-employees who should be enjoying a peaceful retirement were instead forced to cross bureaucratic hurdles and run around offices to collect their dues.
“The humiliation faced by the retired employees is a testament to the failure of the Congress regime under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. It is sad that the government’s negligence has driven some retired employees to extreme measures, including suicide, due to severe financial stress,” charged Mr. Rao.
The BJP leader also challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to explain that his Congress government is not fulfilling the election promises made to various sectors of the public including farmers, students, unemployed, women and others. “Mr. Gandhi has lost his moral right to visit Telangana. While official promises are being ignored, the government is busy demolishing the houses of the poor,” he observed.
The party chief further slammed Mr. Revanth Reddy and alleged that while the Chief Minister claims to have funds for the party high command, there is allegedly “no money” to pay retired employees or release money for the ongoing Arogyasri Health Insurance Scheme and others. He warned that the people of Telangana “will not be silent any longer”, calling for an end to the “brutal oppression” of the poor, workers and farmers.
BJP Legislature Party President A. Maheshwar Reddy claimed that arrears for around 6.4 lakh people, including retired and current employees, have been pending for years. He noted that non-payment of gratuity, bribe, PF and six installments of Care Allowance (DA) clearly signals the financial failure of the state government. Accusing the government of lack of sincerity, he announced that the party would raise the issue in the upcoming assembly session.
Former minister and Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender assured the retired employees of the party’s unwavering support, recalling that he had warned against “unrealistic promises” of stipend for unemployed youth and farm loan waiver when he was the finance minister under the BRS government, as it could lead to financial crunch as witnessed today. MP DK Aruna, Armoor MLA Rakesh Reddy and other leaders also addressed the rally.
Published – 02 March 2026 19:04 IST
