Sir,
Mr.B.R. Mehta's writing attributing motives to Shri. Asthana and Shri Aggarwal sounds funny. Shri Asthana doesn't need any certificate from the likes of Mr Murthy or Mr. BR Mehta to prove his credentials. Everyone woke up about pension revision only after Shri Asthana, with the support of AIRIEF, won the historic battle at all levels in the Jaipur courts. The self appointed messiah for unity has succeeded in creating fissures among the pensioners. His motive of back seat driving has few takers. His idea is laudable, not his modus operandi. He and Mr. Mehta should know that all the cases are tagged with the jaipur verdict and it is for Shri Asthana, in consultation with the leaders of AIRIEF, to decide as how to proceed. There is no question of taking credit as everyone among the pensioners hailing from the rival organisations know within the deepest corner of their hearts where the credit lies. Shri Asthana has opened his heart and has shown his readiness to meet anyone including the backseat driver.
Thanks to the Chronicle for keeping the pensioners fraternity alive.
K.S.Raman
(Mr. Raman writes, "Everyone woke up about pension revision only after Shri Asthana, with the support of AIRIEF, won the historic battle at all levels in the Jaipur courts." The fact is all pensioners belonging to the Pensioner Associations woke up only after Asthana's success in Jaipur court. AIRIEF had no special role in Asthana's fight upto 2008. The decision to support him came in 2008 Jabalpur conference and actual support started after the Jaipur case was won in 2010. -Ed.)