The pension distribution dispute in Andhra Pradesh is turning into a whirlwind. The ruling and opposition leaders are criticizing each other. According to TDP and its alliance leaders as many as 33 pensioners have died due to the behavior of the ruling YCP.
TDP chief Chandrababu has already written a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take action on this. Recently, the leaders of the alliance brought this matter to the attention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). They have complained to the NHRC against the Chief Secretary of AP Government KS Jawahar Reddy.
The TDP, Jana Sena and BJP alliance leaders have complained to the NHRC seeking a high-level inquiry against Jawahar Reddy, the Chief Secretary, in the matter of distribution of pensions. They alleged that the Chief Secretary completely ignored ECI orders.
The complaint stated that the ECI’s orders to distribute pensions through alternative means, by not involving volunteers, was practically sidelined and it was he responsible for delayed distribution.
The leaders alleged that the YCP campaigned and ecnourased aged and those who cannot come should take pensions at village secretariats only.
TDP leader and former Rajya Sabha member Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar appealed to take action against the Chief Secretary, who was taking decisions keeping in view of the ruling YCP political interests, despite the code being in force.
He said that action should be taken against the officials who failed to provide the necessary funds for the distribution of pensions on time. NDA leaders urged the NHRC to issue specific orders to the state government to ensure distribution of pensions through village and ward secretariat staff.
They alleged that intentionally creating obstacles for distribution of pensions, trying to politicize the issue so that to get votes by depicting opposition parties are opposing pensions. They urged a full-pledged probe into circumstances that led to irregular distribution of pensions and also death of about 33 pensioners.
