A Political Firestorm Erupts Over MGNREGA: Congress vs. BJP

In a fresh political volley that has sent ripples across the national landscape, the Congress party has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of ‘single-handedly’ dismantling the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Drawing parallels to the controversial demonetisation move, the grand old party claims the Modi government’s actions have severely weakened the flagship rural employment scheme.

The accusations came during a high-profile press conference by Congress leaders, where they highlighted alleged budget cuts, delayed wage payments, and administrative hurdles that they argue have crippled MGNREGA, a lifeline for millions of rural households. The party’s statement suggests a deliberate strategy to undermine a program designed to provide a safety net for the rural poor, echoing their past criticisms of the government’s economic policies.

However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to hit back. Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan wasted no time in refuting the Congress’s claims, accusing them of shedding “crocodile tears.” Chouhan, speaking hours after the Congress’s presser, implied hypocrisy, suggesting the Congress’s sudden concern for MGNREGA was disingenuous. While the specific details of Chouhan’s counter-arguments are yet to fully emerge, the BJP is expected to defend its government’s record on MGNREGA, possibly pointing to funds released, achievements, or alleged mismanagement during previous administrations.

This political tug-of-war underscores the critical importance of MGNREGA, a scheme that guarantees 100 days of wage-employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. Its effectiveness and implementation often become a battleground for political parties, especially as elections draw closer.

As the debate intensifies, both parties are gearing up to present their narratives, with the future and effectiveness of MGNREGA hanging in the balance amidst this political sparring.

Source: Original Article