Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, criticized the Congress for spreading misinformation about the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G) scheme during an event in Hubballi, Karnataka. He highlighted previous fund leakages and corruption under the MGNREGA scheme, stating that the new VB-G RAM G initiative aims to address these issues by ensuring 125 days of employment for rural citizens and implementing AI-driven monitoring and digital audits to enhance transparency. Joshi emphasized that the scheme would combat corruption, boost the rural economy, and contribute to the development of a ‘Viksit Bharat.’
Union Minister Joshi’s remarks came at a gathering in Hubballi, where he outlined the benefits of the VB-G RAM G scheme and criticized the Congress for opposing it. He mentioned the prevalence of fake job cards and irregularities in the previous system, asserting that the new initiative would eliminate such malpractices. The event was attended by various BJP members and leaders, including Rajya Sabha BJP MP Narayansa Bhandage and State Legislative Council member S.V. Sankanoor, among others.
The BJP-led Union government’s introduction of the VB-G RAM G scheme has faced opposition from the Congress, with protests held in Bengaluru against its implementation. The scheme, which replaced the MGNREGA in December 2025, has been labeled as an “anti-people law” by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who criticized the financial burden it places on states. Additionally, Siddaramaiah announced plans to honor Mahatma Gandhi by naming buildings in all 6,000 gram panchayats in Karnataka after him.
