There has been yet another stir around the Old Pension Scheme in the country’s largest political state. On the one hand, the Joint Forum for the Restoration of the Old Pension System has called for a rally in the capital Lucknow, and on the other hand, the ruling party BJP seems to be softening its stand. All India Railway Federation (AIRF) General Secretary Shivgopal Mishra has said before the Hunkar rally that he has met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who gave him positive assurance. It seems that it is now Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s turn to be persuaded.
The Hunkar rally is being organised in Lucknow on 27 June. Teachers and pensioners, including central and state employees, have come on one platform regarding the restoration of the OPS. One lakh workers are to join the Hunkar Rally at Charbagh Railway Stadium on Tuesday. Employees of all the departments including railway, post, PWD, education, and electricity will be present. Mishra will lead this rally.
The importance of this rally increases a lot in the election year because Uttar Pradesh is the largest state in terms of Lok Sabha seats in the country. If there is any loss to the BJP from here, then the BJP’s power in the Centre can be shaken. Considering this the BJP is also now seen adopting a soft approach towards the employees. In the last elections, Akhilesh Yadav campaigned fiercely for the OPS but could not reach power. However, since CM Yogi’s attitude has softened, employees’ union leaders are taking this as assurance from the Chief Minister.
Union leaders claim that due to the movement, the OPS has been restored in six states. The system being restored in a big state like Uttar Pradesh makes their path easier.
