Staff affinity towards Congress worries TD

March 30: The Telugu Desam and other opposition parties are worried about whether pensioners, teachers, and government employees would support the Congress in the elections this time too.
Since these groups are opinion leaders, their “word-of-mouth publicity” might also affect other people. Political analysts say that as many as 20 lakh employees played a prominent role in the 2004 elections. Since they were vexed with the policies of the then N. Chandrababu Naidu government, majority of the employees not only voted for the Congress but also influenced others to do so.
Around 80 per cent of the postal ballots also went in favour of the Congress, indicating the mood of the government staff.
The Congress government which came to power reciprocated by accepting pay revision which ensured up to 50 per cent hike in salaries. The Congress feels that the pay revision and 9.42 per cent dearness allowance announced by the government would turn the majority of the employees to the ruling party.
Around 3 lakh pensioners who opposed the TD in previous elections have vowed to support Congress this time too. As heads of the families, their opinion will have an impact on others also. “We can’t say anything politically,” said Mr V. Gopala Reddy, president of AP NGO Association. “But one thing is clear. All the employees are happy with the announcement of DA.” The AP Secretariat Association president, Mr M. Hanumantha Reddy, also hailed the decision of the government. “Employees do not have affiliation with any party but they will be happy if their problems are resolved,” he said.
However, some leaders of teachers’ associations said the delay in implementation of unified service rules may damage the Congress.