DA – Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of taking an unusual legal step by approaching the Supreme Court against her own government employees in the ongoing Dearness Allowance dispute.
Speaking at a press conference, Yadav said that Banerjee is the only Chief Minister in the country to challenge her state employees in the apex court over the DA issue. He alleged that the prolonged delay in clearing the pending allowance has caused widespread frustration among employees. According to him, the state government should have focused on resolving the financial concerns of its workforce instead of contesting other matters in court.
Yadav argued that the Chief Minister could have sought legal clarity regarding the DA matter earlier rather than challenging the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He maintained that employees have been waiting for their dues for years and called on Banerjee to apologize to state government staff.
The remarks come amid heightened political exchanges between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress over compliance with the Supreme Court’s recent directives. Yadav’s comments reflect the BJP’s broader criticism of the state government’s handling of employee welfare and administrative decisions.
Echoing similar concerns, Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, said that the Chief Minister’s recent statement describing the DA matter as sub-judice was no longer accurate. Addressing reporters, Adhikari pointed out that the Supreme Court has already delivered its judgment on the issue.
He stated that the apex court clearly outlined how arrears are to be paid and emphasized that the fundamental rights of employees must be protected. Adhikari further warned that if the state government fails to release 25 percent of the pending DA by March, there remains scope for further legal recourse.
According to him, the court’s directions should be implemented without delay, and any perceived disregard for the ruling would undermine the authority of the judiciary.
Earlier this week, Mamata Banerjee responded briefly when questioned about the arrears. She reiterated that the matter was under judicial consideration and declined to comment further.
The issue of Dearness Allowance has remained a contentious topic in West Bengal for several years, with employees demanding parity and timely disbursement of dues. State government staff have organized protests and demonstrations in the past, seeking compliance with court orders.
Last Thursday, the Supreme Court directed the West Bengal government to clear the outstanding DA arrears accumulated between 2008 and 2019. The court instructed that the first installment of payment must be made by March 31, dismissing the state’s argument that fulfilling the order would severely strain its finances.
At the same time, the apex court provided partial relief to the state government. It clarified that employees cannot claim automatic parity in DA rates with central government employees, which had been one of the demands raised. The court also ruled that there is no legal entitlement to receive DA twice annually, stating that such decisions fall within the discretion of the state administration.
The ruling has added a new dimension to the ongoing debate, placing the focus squarely on how and when the state government will implement the payment schedule. As the March deadline approaches, the matter is likely to remain at the center of political and administrative discussions in West Bengal.
