It’s known to our readers that the talks between Andhra Pradesh Government and Government employees have failed. The associations are gearing up to go on an indefinite strike from 7th February. More and more Government associations are joining the strike and it may well paralyze the administration.
On the other hand, Government is trying to be rigid and is not budging to their demands. Reports are that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is considering to use ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act) if needed. Under this, the employees not co-operating with the Government may be suspended and can be punished as well.
Jayalalithaa who removed 1.2 Lakh agitating Government employees way back in 2003 seems to be an inspiration behind this act. While this appears heroic on paper and can backfire big time. After this incident, AIADMK got very less seats in the 2004 Parliament elections and lost the 2006 Assembly elections.
The ire of Government employees is one of the reasons for the defeats, Political analysts said. In Andhra Pradesh, there are 60 Lakhs of Government employees and their families. Total voters of Andhra Pradesh is 4.07 Crore. That means we are talking about 15% of total voters. These are mind-boggling numbers and can potentially topple a government.
Those who seems to be advising Jagan on this issue may be the ones trying to defeat YSR Congress in 2024, the party supporters lament.
