Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today termed as a "cruel joke" with senior citizens the doubling of old-age pension from Rs 250 to Rs 500 per month in Punjab.
Punjab AAP Convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur said "cash rich Badals" owe an explanation to elders how they can survive with a pension of just Rs 500 per month?
"Is it possible for them to have a ride in their (Badal's) air-conditioned bus service even once with this amount? Is it possible for elders to have a cup of tea with their pension money in Badal's five star hotels?" Chhotepur said.
He alleged that Badals must be knowing that hike in old-age pension, for which they are patting their own back, was promised at least seven years ago by them.
Even now the hiked pension amount of Rs 500 per month was very less as compared to Haryana and Delhi where it is Rs 1400 and Rs 1,000 per month respectively, he added.
"Even the way such a petty amount was distributed in the splendid function by keeping elders standing in queue for hours is highly deplorable," Chhotepur said.
Terming the hike in old-age pension as "is nothing else but a political gimmick" to woo the elders, Chhotepur said, they are annoyed with the Badal-led state government for their "insult".
