Agnipath, OPS, jobs emerge major poll issues cutting across caste lines

The division of votes on caste lines plays a key role in Assembly elections, but this time, the emergence of some public issues has apparently overshadowed this narrative to a large extent in the run-up to the Assembly polls. These may also prove to be a game-changer.

The Agnipath scheme, government jobs, law and order, old-age pension to senior citizens, monthly financial aid to women and restoration of old pension scheme (OPS) are among the issues being discussed prominently by electors cutting across the region and caste lines.

“The youth of Ahirwal region had been passionate about joining the Army. They used to begin practising for its physical test in their childhood. There was a time when a large number of youth aspiring to join the Army could been seen running on the roads and in stadiums in rural areas early in the morning but this number has drastically come down after the Agnipath scheme was rolled out. Just four-year tenure for 75 per cent Agniveers has discouraged the youth,” said Mahabir Yadav, a youth of Rewari.

Vijay of Kosli town said, “The BJP government too seems to be aware of the resentment among youth due to the Agnipath scheme, hence of late, it has announced to ensure jobs to all agniveers in Haryana and interest-free loans for those who intend to do business but candidates of opposition parties have brought it to the centre stage of Assembly elections against the BJP and it appears to be working among youngsters.” Deteriorating law and order situation has also become a core issue in the elections as it is affecting urban population primarily as a whole. The demand for restoration of the OPS has led to unity and mobilisation of government employees across caste lines, which is likely to take a toll on the poll prospects of the ruling BJP.

“Every employee needs monetary security after superannuation to meet daily requirements, so the issue of restoration of OPS is not only vital but will also play a decisive role in the election as a large number of employees will retire in next five years without pension if the OPS is not restored this time,” said Kuldeep Singh, a government employee from Rohtak.

Satish, another employee from Jhajjar, said, the BJP had come forward with a Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to control the damage ahead of the Assembly elections but this scheme had failed to attract the employees.