TGO vs TNGO Cold War

Turbulence has erupted within Telangana’s Joint Action Committee (JAC) of government employees and teachers following the announcement of a single Dearness Allowance (DA) by the state government. Leaders of the main employee unions claim that while five other pending DAs, implementation of the Pay Revision Commission (PRC), health cards, medical bills, pensioners’ benefits, CPS cancellation, and teachers’ grievances remain unresolved, the government is being hailed for achieving “something” by announcing just one DA and an insurance scheme.

This has triggered a dispute between the two major unions of the JAC—Telangana Government Employees’ Union (TGO) and Telangana Non-Gazetted Officers’ Union (TNGO). TGO leaders praised the government for announcing the DA, while TNGO leaders strongly opposed what they saw as a premature glorification of the government and side-lining of broader employee issues. The disagreement has escalated into a cold war between the two unions, exposing simmering tensions.

The controversy began on January 12 when the Chief Minister inaugurated the TGO 2026 diary at the Secretariat and announced the DA along with a crore-rupee insurance scheme. This move drew criticism from TNGO leaders, who were reportedly upset at being excluded from the event. Social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp groups of the JAC, have become arenas for lower-level and district leaders of one union questioning the other. Several leaders have reportedly exited these groups in protest.

Historically, TGO and TNGO have had political alignments—TNGO was considered close to the previous BRS government, while TGO is seen as aligned with the current Congress government. TNGO alleges that TGO is deliberately delaying struggles for employee and teacher issues, citing government financial constraints, while TGO argues that some time must be given to the government before further protests. These differing approaches have led to disagreements over strategy and priorities, with tensions further amplified by the DA announcement.

Reports indicate that some teacher associations are also planning to break away from the JAC to form a separate body. Meanwhile, the JAC has scheduled a post-Sankranti meeting where critical decisions are expected. Sources suggest that a senior leader may be removed from their position, and TNGO could even consider leaving the JAC if disagreements persist.

TNGO leaders allege that TGO’s methods and alignment with the government are unacceptable, accusing them of lodging complaints with the Chief Minister about TNGO leadership. TGO leaders, however, maintain that the diary event was their union’s program, and the Chief Minister’s presence ensured that employee issues, including the DA and insurance, were brought to the government’s attention, with remaining demands to be addressed subsequently.

According to TGO state president Aeluri Srinivas Rao and JAC secretary-general Maram Jagadishwar, “This is like a storm in a teacup. We are ready to work with the government and fight for employees’ rights through the JAC if needed. Differences are natural, but we have already presented our concerns to the CM. Leaders must sit together and resolve matters. We are even ready to make sacrifices for employees.”

A senior TGO leader added that past collaborations with the BRS government did not yield results, insisting that TGO is working independently for employees’ rights and the JAC. The same leader also criticized TNGO’s objection to the diary event, stating that it is unnecessary and creates pressure from lower-level leaders. “If needed, we will hold meetings post-festival and take decisions. Employees’ issues like PRC and health cards still need resolution. Announcing DA is fine, but what about the rest? We will raise these issues and ensure they are addressed,” the leader said.

TNGO leaders also emphasized that the DA announcement alone cannot overshadow pending issues like PRC, health cards, and other benefits. They insisted that post-Sankranti meetings will be held to take all employee concerns to the government’s notice. With tensions running high and multiple factions within the JAC, the upcoming meetings may determine whether the unions reconcile or split into separate camps.