OROP: CPI(M) extends support to agitating ex-servicemen

New Delhi, Jul 10: The CPI(M) today came out in support of the ex-servicemen who are on relay hunger strike seeking implementation of 'One Rank One Pension' (OROP) as it accused the BJP-led NDA government of reneging on its promise to execute the policy.

In his letter to the ex-servicemen, who are protesting against the delay over implementation of OROP since June 14 here, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury assured that his party would be "in solidarity both inside and outside Parliament" for realisation of their legitimate demand.

"Like so many other electoral commitments made to different democratic sections of the society (ahead of Lok Sabha polls), the Union Government has also reneged on this question.

"In this moment of anguish which has forced you (ex-servicemen) in this course of agitation for your legitimate demand, we express our firm commitment on behalf of our party to your demand. We re-assure you we will be in solidarity both inside and outside the Parliament for realisation of your demand," Yechury said in the letter issued today.

He lauded the ex-servicemen saying the armed forces have played a crucial role in the national life and made great sacrifices for unity and territorial integrity since inception of the country's Republic.

"Understandably, the retirees from the armed forces have been legitimately agitating for recognition and implementation of OROP.

The demand has attracted support on principle by the entire political spectrum of the country. We of the CPI(M) have also time and again reiterated our support for this legitimate demand," the Rajya Sabha MP said.

Yechury also referred to promises made by Narendra Modi, BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate for 2014 Lok Sabha polls, saying he had "categorically" mentioned that OROP will be implemented within one month of assumption of office if his party attained power.

The BJP, however, has reneged on the promise, Yechury charged.

PTI