The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Manipur launched a robust counterattack against the Congress party on January 14, responding to criticism of the newly enacted Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-GRAM-G] Act. BJP President A. Sharda Devi accused Congress of deliberately misleading rural communities and politicizing an initiative designed to bolster livelihoods and promote rural development.
During a press conference, Sharda described the Congress’s opposition to the VB-GRAM-G Act as “unfortunate and irresponsible,” suggesting it stemmed from political motives rather than genuine concern for farmers or rural workers. She asserted, “The Congress party’s opposition is a calculated attempt to spread false information and create confusion among the rural population for narrow political gains.”
Sharda clarified that the VB-GRAM-G Act is intended to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed Bharat by 2047, emphasizing enhanced productivity, income security, and sustainable growth in rural areas. She noted that the guaranteed workdays have increased from 100 to 125, ensuring higher earnings and improved livelihood security for rural households.
Addressing Congress’s objections regarding the renaming of the scheme, Sharda characterized the criticism as politically motivated. She pointed out that the name of Mahatma Gandhi was added to the employment scheme in 2005-one year after its initial launch in 2004-without causing political controversy at that time. “Renaming or restructuring welfare schemes to align with evolving national priorities is not unprecedented. Congress remained silent then, but now raises objections for political convenience,” she argued.
Reaffirming the BJP’s dedication to farmers, Sharda emphasized their central role in India’s developmental journey. “Without farmers and rural workers, India cannot become a developed nation. That is why the Modi government has placed them at the core of the Viksit Bharat agenda,” she stated.
Comparing the two parties’ records, Sharda highlighted that ₹2.5 lakh crore was spent on MGNREGA during the Congress-led government’s ten years, while the BJP government has allocated ₹8.5 lakh crore over a similar duration, showcasing a stronger commitment to rural welfare.
Sharda outlined key features of the VB-GRAM-G Act, including a guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per rural household and a 60-day no-work window to ensure labor availability during peak farming seasons. She also emphasized the Act’s focus on technology-driven monitoring systems to enhance transparency, minimize leakages, and ensure timely wage payments.
“The VB-GRAM-G Act is not just a welfare scheme; it represents a structural reform aimed at empowering rural India and promoting inclusive growth,” she concluded.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/video/manipur-bjp-slams-congress-over-opposition-to-vb-gram-g-calls-it-political-propaganda-1331326-2026-01-14?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-01-14 20:24:00
