BJP stages hunger strike over pending dues to retirees

Hyderabad: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Telangana unit on Monday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Congress government, demanding immediate clearance of pending retirement benefits to former employees, teachers and staff.

Leading a 'hunger strike' at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park, BJP state president N Ramchander Rao accused Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of financial mismanagement, alleging that delay in settling retirement dues has pushed several families into distress. A large number of retired employees, including women, participated in the protest, raising slogans against the government. 

Addressing the gathering, Rao termed it “pathetic” that the retirees, who should be living peacefully after decades of service, are forced to run from office to office for their hard-earned savings. He alleged that several employees had died without receiving benefits and some were driven to extreme distress due to financial burdens. He also criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating that unfulfilled promises in Telangana have eroded the party’s moral standing.

The BJP chief accused the government of neglecting welfare commitments to farmers, youth, women and marginalized communities, and described the administration as a “40 per cent commission government”, alleging corruption and land irregularities.