The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Amaravati): The recent directive by the Election Commission of India (ECI), which halts volunteers associated with the Andhra Pradesh government from administering welfare schemes, has ignited a political confrontation between the ruling YSRCP and the opposition NDA alliance, which includes the TDP, BJP, and Janasena. This directive resulted in the suspension of the routine delivery of welfare pensions, traditionally completed by April 1, creating a major dispute in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the TDP and its leader N. Chandrababu Naidu of instigating the EC’s intervention to disrupt pension distribution, alleging political maneuvering to disadvantage the ruling party. Reddy emphasized the hardship faced by beneficiaries, including the elderly and specially-abled, due to the suspension of pension deliveries.
In response, Naidu refuted the allegations, asserting that the TDP had not objected to pension distribution and criticized the ruling party for politicizing the welfare of vulnerable groups. He promised an increase in pension amounts and home delivery without conditions if the TDP is elected. Furthermore, Naidu suggested employing government employees from village and ward secretariats as an alternative to continue pension distribution amidst the EC’s restrictions.
The political debate extends beyond the immediate parties, with Janasena leader Pawan Kalyan calling on party cadres to assist pensioners in receiving their dues amid rising temperatures. The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee also advocated for the timely delivery of pensions.
As a resolution, Sashibhushan Kumar, principal secretary of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, announced that the pension disbursal process had commenced across all districts for the 66 lakh beneficiaries, with a significant portion already receiving their pensions. The state government has allocated Rs 1,952 crore for this purpose, ensuring the distribution process adheres to the new guidelines while attempting to mitigate the impact of the ECI’s directive on the beneficiaries.
This unfolding controversy underscores the complexities of governance and electoral politics in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the challenges of administering welfare programs during election periods and the potent mix of politics and public service delivery.
