Shimla: BJP MP and former state president Suresh Kashyap launched a sharp attack on the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee’s so-called MNREGA Bachao Sangram, calling it a mere political drama aimed at misleading the public. He said Congress must first give an account of its own failures and “sins” committed during decades of rule before accusing others.
Kashyap said the Congress, which today talks about “vote theft” and “job theft,” had exploited labourers for years and is now trying to bake political bread through false allegations. He asserted that the schemes for which Congress is attempting to claim credit were actually strengthened on the ground by the Narendra Modi-led central government.
He said that under the BJP government, MNREGA and other rural development schemes were made more transparent, technology-driven and time-bound, ensuring that payments reached genuine beneficiaries directly.
Rejecting Congress leaders’ allegations related to vote theft and employment, Kashyap termed them baseless and absurd. He said a party whose politics has revolved around corruption, dynastic rule and falsehood has no moral right to speak on democracy or employment. The allegations regarding Bihar elections, he added, reflect Congress’ frustration and desperation.
Kashyap questioned Congress on why MNREGA workers in Himachal did not receive timely payments whenever Congress was in power, why panchayats had to suffer pending dues for years, and why corruption became synonymous with MNREGA during its tenure.
On accusations regarding MNREGA funds, he clarified that the central government has never discriminated against Himachal Pradesh. Instead, he blamed the state Congress government’s financial mismanagement, incorrect reporting and failure to submit utilization certificates on time for the losses suffered by the state.
He further said that Congress’ complaints about renaming schemes are irrelevant, as people care about performance, not names. The BJP, he added, did not just rename schemes but made them more effective, transparent and welfare-oriented.
Concluding his statement, Kashyap said Congress’ so-called agitation is an attempt to divert attention from its failures. The people of Himachal, he said, have now clearly recognized Congress’ hollow slogans and deceptive movements and will respond appropriately in the times to come.
