Aam Aadmi Party today said that hike in Old Aged Pension from Rs 250 to Rs 500 per month is nothing else but a “cruel joke” with the senior citizens. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur said that cash rich Badals owe an explanation to elders how they can linger on with just Rs 500 per month? Is it possible for them to have a ride in their (Badal’s) Air Conditioned Orbit Bus Service even once with this amount?Is it possible for elders to have a cup of tea with their pension money in Badals’ five star hotels? Chhotepur asked. Badals must be knowing that hike in old aged pension for which they are patting their own back, was promised at least seven years back by them, Chhotepur said claiming that even now the hiked amount of Rs 500 per month is very less as compared to the neighboring states of Haryana and Delhi where it is Rs 1400 and 1,000 per month respectively.Even the way such a petty amount was distributed in the splendid function by keeping elders in Queue for hours is highly deplorable, Chhotepur added. Hike in Old aged pension is nothing else but a “political gimmick” in attempt to woo the elders, who are rather annoyed with the Badal led state government for their ‘insult’, Chhotepur added.