In a scathing critique of the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime, BJP leader Arun Singh has labeled the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as the very embodiment of corruption during that era. Speaking at a public rally in Uttar Pradesh, Singh painted a vivid picture of how the flagship welfare scheme, intended to provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to rural households, devolved into a massive scam under UPA’s watch.
Singh highlighted numerous instances where funds meant for the poorest of the poor were siphoned off by corrupt officials and local politicians. ‘What was supposed to be a lifeline for millions turned into a goldmine for the dishonest,’ he declared, citing CAG reports that exposed irregularities worth thousands of crores. Ghost workers, fake job cards, and inflated wage bills became the hallmarks of MGNREGA implementation between 2004 and 2014.
The BJP leader contrasted this with the Modi government’s reforms, which introduced digital monitoring, Aadhaar linkage, and direct benefit transfers to plug leakages. ‘Today, under PM Modi’s leadership, MGNREGA is transparent and effective, reaching the intended beneficiaries,’ Singh asserted. He accused the UPA of using the scheme as a political tool to buy votes rather than uplift the rural economy.
This statement comes amid ongoing political slugfest ahead of state elections, where welfare schemes remain a key battleground. Opposition parties have hit back, calling Singh’s remarks an attempt to rewrite history. However, data from the Rural Development Ministry shows a significant drop in complaints and better fund utilization post-2014.
As debates rage on social media and news channels, Arun Singh’s bold accusation has reignited discussions on governance accountability. Whether it sways public opinion or not, it underscores the enduring legacy of MGNREGA as both a promise and a controversy in Indian politics.