Activists burn CM’s effigy at suicide spot

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, April 19

The Dihati Mazdoor Sabha today burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for the alleged failure of his government to deliver a paltry old age pension to Dhilwan-based Somnath, which resulted in his death.

Over a hundred workers gathered today at the spot outside a bank in Dhilwan where the 83-year-old had committed suicide by pouring an inflammable substance and then setting himself afire.

Mazdur Sabha activists alleged that in the election manifesto in 2007, the Badal government had assured to increase the old age pension to Rs400, but the promise remained unfulfilled even after seven years.

"Why can't the government show the same haste in increasing the pension of the elderly as it shows when the salaries of the CM and other ministers has to be increased…Why does the government adopt an indifferent attitude towards the poor," they quipped.