A major political confrontation has erupted between the central government and the Punjab administration over the rights of rural workers. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched serious allegations, claiming the state's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is actively sabotaging a new federal employment law by misleading laborers.
Allegations of "Weaponised" Official Machinery
The core of the dispute revolves around the Viksit Bharat – Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act, 2025 (VB–GRAM G Act). This landmark legislation increases the guaranteed employment quota for rural workers from 100 to 125 days and strengthens provisions for unemployment allowances. However, Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma has accused the state government of orchestrating a campaign of "deception."
At a press conference in Chandigarh on Monday, Sharma claimed that village-level officials are being used to force rural workers into signing petitions against the new law. He presented forms which he stated were used to falsely document worker opposition. "The ground reality is exactly the opposite of what the state is projecting," Sharma asserted. He accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of opposing a law designed to benefit the poor.
A Broader Political "Federal Threat"
Sharma linked the local resistance to the wider political challenges facing AAP's national convener, Arvind Kejriwal. Following Kejriwal's recent legal battles and electoral setbacks in Delhi, Sharma alleged that CM Mann is being used to foster an "atmosphere of rebellion" against New Delhi. "This approach is unfortunate and poses a serious threat to the country's federal structure," the BJP leader warned, framing the issue as a challenge to India's constitutional framework.
Claims of Failed Audits and Unchecked Corruption
The BJP's accusations extend beyond the current law. Sharma alleged that the Punjab government has failed to meet the basic standards of the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) framework. He pointed to a consistent work deficit, claiming the state failed to provide the mandatory 100 days of work over the past three years.
Furthermore, Sharma made grave allegations of audit lapses to conceal corruption. He stated that mandatory social audits were reportedly skipped in more than 7,300 gram panchayats during the 2025-26 period. The BJP leader also highlighted that recovery orders worth approximately Rs 2.35 crore, issued by the Ombudsman in nearly 4,000 detected corruption cases, remain unimplemented by the state.
Demand for Legal Accountability
The BJP has now demanded clarifications on the lack of legal action against officials responsible for failing to provide timely work or pay unemployment allowances. Sharma also criticized the state's silence on enforcing the Scheduled Caste (SC) Act to protect marginalized laborers, suggesting a neglect of their rights.
This escalating controversy underscores the deepening rift between India's regional powers and the central government. With both sides aggressively vying for the support of the vast rural vote bank, the battle over employment guarantees is set to become a key flashpoint in the upcoming election cycle.
