Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticized the Punjab government and Congress for passing a resolution in the Punjab Assembly against central initiatives, calling it a violation of the Constitution’s federal spirit. The resolution targeted the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act, 2025, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
Chouhan, speaking at a press conference in Bhopal, questioned the Punjab Assembly’s decision to dedicate a special session to opposing parliamentary laws related to the Vikasit Bharat vision. He emphasized that laws enacted by Parliament are binding on all states, and contradictory resolutions by assemblies undermine the country’s federal structure. Chouhan also criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for being disconnected from ground realities.
The minister highlighted governance issues in Punjab, citing lapses in implementing central schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. He pointed out financial irregularities in social audits conducted in over 13,000 gram panchayats, with recommendations for recoveries and actions against corruption remaining unaddressed. Chouhan condemned the Punjab resolution as an undemocratic display of opposition politics that neglects democratic norms and constitutional responsibilities.
The renaming of MNREGA to Vikasit Bharat Guarantee Rozgar Aajeevika Mission Gramin by the Centre has sparked protests in Madhya Pradesh, with senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh announcing street demonstrations against the decision. The political reactions following the renaming have escalated tensions between the Centre and opposition-led states regarding rural development programs.
