In a sharp political counterattack, Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has accused the Congress Working Committee (CWC) of spreading "confusion and misinformation" regarding the newly introduced VB-G RAM G legislation. The minister launched a dual offensive, criticizing the opposition party's past handling of rural employment while robustly defending the current government's flagship law.
Congress Era Mired in Corruption, Says Chouhan
Chouhan did not mince words when addressing the Congress's criticism of the present administration's rural policies. He pointedly reminded that during the Congress-led UPA government's tenure, the MGNREGA scheme was mired in corruption. In a striking accusation, he stated that the Congress had not only cut MGNREGA's budget but also froze the wages
VB-G RAM G Act: A Pillar of Transparency and Gandhian Spirit
Contrasting the past with the present, Chouhan presented the VB-G RAM G Act as a paradigm shift in governance. He emphasized that the current government has introduced the Act with full transparency to ensure real and tangible benefits for workers across the country. The minister framed this new law as a clean break from a legacy of alleged graft, aiming to directly and efficiently deliver support to India's rural workforce.
Addressing the Mahatma Gandhi Controversy
The minister also took aim at another key allegation from the opposition. Dismissing claims that Mahatma Gandhi's name and ideals are being sidelined, Chouhan labeled these assertions as baseless. He provided a detailed rebuttal, articulating that the core spirit of the VB-G RAM G Act is deeply rooted in Gandhian philosophy. Chouhan listed the principles that inform the legislation:
- Village-centric development
- Gram Swaraj (village self-governance)
- Self-reliance
- Respect for labour
- People's participation
- Social accountability
He asserted that these pillars are central to the vision for India's rural future as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi himself, thereby directly linking the government's policy to the Father of the Nation's ideals.
A Political Battle Over Rural India's Future
The heated exchange underscores the ongoing political tussle over credit and critique concerning welfare schemes. Chouhan's statements, made in the national capital, position the VB-G RAM G Act not just as a policy tool but as a symbol of ethical governance versus a corrupt past. By invoking Gandhian values, the government seeks to claim the moral high ground and counter the narrative of erasing legacy. This debate is set to intensify as both sides vie for the support of the crucial rural electorate, with transparency, corruption, and ideological allegiance being the key battlegrounds.
