In a landmark verdict that has electrified West Bengal’s government workforce, the Supreme Court has mandated the release of long-withheld Dearness Allowance (DA) payments. BJP leaders are celebrating this as a monumental victory for employees who endured years of bureaucratic stonewalling under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration.
Kolkata erupted in cautious optimism on February 5 as news of the apex court’s decision spread. Union Minister and BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar took to social media platform X to laud the resilience of state employees. ‘After prolonged struggle and unwavering resolve, government workers will finally receive their rightful DA as per Supreme Court directives,’ he posted. Majumdar framed the ruling not just as financial relief but as a testament to unity, patience, and determination.
The BJP’s sharp critique targeted Banerjee’s government for what they called deliberate denial of legitimate dues. Majumdar accused the administration of squandering public funds on high-profile lawyers to block DA payments, subjecting protesting employees to police brutality and public vilification. ‘Despite relentless suppression, employees persevered through principled battles,’ he emphasized, calling the outcome a triumph of justice over tyranny.
Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, echoed these sentiments. ‘The Supreme Court has upheld employees’ fundamental rights, proving Mamata Banerjee wrong,’ Adhikari declared. He highlighted how Banerjee repeatedly dismissed DA as no right but a favor, only for the court to affirm it as a legal entitlement.
Adhikari detailed the saga: from tribunal wins to Calcutta High Court victories, the government wasted crores hiring top counsel just to deprive workers. Peaceful protests met with lathi charges, yet employees trusted the judicial system. ‘This is the collective victory of their unyielding fight,’ he said, extending heartfelt congratulations to all, including nationalist voices within the ranks.
The ruling clarifies DA as an inviolable right, not charity. As payments commence per court orders, it signals a broader win for accountability in West Bengal’s governance. BJP leaders vow to keep pressing for employee welfare, eyeing this as momentum against perceived administrative high-handedness.