New Delhi, Jan 4 (UNI) union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Sunday strongly criticised Congress for announcing the ‘MNREGA Bachao Sangram’ campaign.
Speaking to the media, Chauhan said the campaign is not about saving MNREGA but protecting corruption. “Congress has a problem with work and Lord Ram. Corruption is in their DNA, and MNREGA had become a symbol of that corruption. Instead of workers, machines and contractors were used, and pockets were filled in the name of labour,” he said.
Chauhan highlighted that over 10 lakh complaints were received during social audits conducted by Gram Sabhas. He added that the same road was built repeatedly under the name of work, while workers over 80 years of age were still employed, and over 30% of workers were above 60 years.
He noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, more than Rs. 8.48 lakh crore has been allocated to MNREGA, compared to around Rs. 2 lakh crore during the UPA government.
Chauhan called Congress a “factory of lies” and accused the party of spreading rumours that workers would not get work. He said the newly launched Viksit Bharat G Ram G scheme protects workers’ interests better, offering 125 days of guaranteed employment instead of 100, ensuring unemployment allowance if work is unavailable, and penalising delayed payments.
“The government’s priority is to give more to workers and ensure village development. In the current financial year, Rs. 1,92,282 crore has been allocated. Now Gram Sabhas, Panchayats, and villagers will decide which works are needed in their villages, including water conservation, schools, hospitals, anganwadis, and roads,” he added.
Chauhan asserted that the Viksit Bharat G Ram G scheme is better than MNREGA and accused Congress of opposing it because it ends corruption. He challenged the party over its absence in Lok Sabha debates and urged it not to spread misinformation. He said the government will showcase the truth through a national-level programme.
