BJP’s Attack on MGNREGA Is an Attack on the Poor and on Punjab – Mohit Mohindra

Patiala, January 5, 2026: Mohit Mohindra, President, Punjab Youth Congress, today strongly condemned the BJP-led Central Government for what he described as a systematic attack on MGNREGA, stating that any attack on MGNREGA is a direct attack on the poor, rural workers, and the state of Punjab.

Addressing a press conference in Patiala, Mohindra said that the newly introduced Viksit Bharat G RAM G (Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika – Gramin) is being falsely projected as an expansion of employment, while in reality it destroys the legal foundation of MGNREGA.

“MGNREGA was not charity. It was a legally guaranteed right to work. By diluting this law, the BJP has attacked the poorest sections of society and weakened Punjab economically and constitutionally,” said Mohindra.

Mohindra pointed out that under the original MGNREGA, any rural household could demand work, and the government was legally bound to provide employment within 15 days or pay unemployment allowance.

“Under the BJP’s new framework, employment is no longer a right. It depends on permissions, notifications, and approvals from Delhi. This turns a right into charity,” he said.

Criticising BJP’s claim of increasing workdays from 100 to 125, Mohindra said, “What is the value of 125 days if there is no legal guarantee? Numbers on paper do not feed families. Only guaranteed employment does.”

Mohindra highlighted that the Centre now wants states to bear costs in a 60:40 ratio, while retaining all decision-making powers.

“Delhi will decide when work will be given, how much work will be sanctioned, and what work will be done, but Punjab will be forced to pay the bill. This is financial arm-twisting and a direct blow to federalism,” he said.

He further stated that the new system completely sidelines Gram Sabhas and Panchayats, which were the backbone of MGNREGA.

“Why should Delhi decide who will work, when they will work, and what work they will do in Punjab’s villages? This destroys grassroots democracy,” Mohindra asserted.

With Punjab already under a debt burden of nearly ₹4 lakh crore, Mohindra warned that the new cost-sharing model will force the state to reduce employment instead of expanding it.

“This guarantees only one thing – less work for the poor and more financial pressure on Punjab,” he said.

Punjab Youth Congress to Support MNREGA Majdoor Adhikar Bachao Yatra

Mohindra announced that Punjab Youth Congress will fully support the ‘MNREGA Majdoor Adhikar Bachao Yatra’, organised under the leadership of Shri Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, President, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee.

“This yatra is a fight to protect the employment rights of rural workers and to defend Punjab’s interests,” he added.

Reiterating the party’s position, Mohindra concluded while saying that “An attack on MGNREGA is an attack on the poor. An attack on MGNREGA is an attack on Punjab. Punjab Youth Congress will oppose this anti-poor, anti-Punjab policy at every level.”