Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defends against Congress accusations

New Delhi, Jan 19, 2026 : Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has accused the Congress party of misleading the people of the country on the Viksit Bharat G RAM G Act. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi today, Mr Chouhan said, under MGNREGA, the rights given by Congress existed only on paper. He said, Congress has abandoned its ideas, ideology, and ideals and has nothing to do with the country’s development or the welfare of the poor.

Mr Chouhan said the act guarantees at least 125 days of wage employment to every rural household from the earlier 100 days of employment. The Minister said that ten crore assets were created under MGNREGA, of which 8.5 crore have been created under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Chouhan said 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty under the Modi government.

The Minister said, priorities have been given to SC, ST, women, the disabled, and the poor in the Viksit Bharat G RAM G Act. Mr Chouhan also highlighted that there is a provision for unemployment allowance in the new act, if work is not provided within the stipulated time.