Hooda Condemns BJP Government's Pension and Ration Card Cuts in Haryana
Former chief minister and leader of the opposition in the Haryana assembly, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, strongly objected on Friday to the BJP government's decision to reduce old-age pensions. Hooda accused the ruling party of being "intoxicated by power" in its third term, leading to reckless cuts affecting millions of poor and elderly citizens across the state.
Widespread Impact on Vulnerable Families
Hooda highlighted specific data to underscore the severity of the issue. In Ambala district alone, he revealed that the Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration cards and pensions of approximately 54,000 families have been terminated. Expanding on this, he cited central government statistics indicating that following the Haryana assembly elections, more than 14 lakh ration cards have been cut statewide, marking the highest such reduction in the country.
Similarly, the pensions of thousands of elderly individuals have been slashed, exacerbating financial hardships for this vulnerable demographic. Hooda described a distressing scenario where elderly citizens are repeatedly pleading at government offices to have their pensions reinstated, only to be met with denials from what he termed an "arrogant government" claiming no cuts were made. He condemned this as "adding insult to injury" for those already struggling.
Historical Context and Political Contrast
Drawing a sharp contrast between political administrations, Hooda pointed out that during the Congress government's tenure, the old-age pension was increased from Rs 300 to Rs 1,500—a five-fold rise aimed at better supporting seniors. In stark comparison, he noted that over the past 11 years under BJP rule, the pension has seen a mere Rs 2 increase, while inflation has surged three to four times, effectively diminishing the real value of these payments.
Congress's Pledge for Action
Asserting his party's commitment to defending the rights of the elderly, Hooda declared that the Congress will strongly raise this issue in the upcoming budget session of the Haryana assembly. He vowed not to allow the BJP government to "take away the support of the elderly under any circumstances," emphasizing the need for immediate corrective measures to restore pensions and ration cards to affected families.
This controversy adds to ongoing political tensions in Haryana, with Hooda positioning the Congress as a vocal advocate for social welfare and economic justice in the face of what he portrays as governmental neglect.
