Punjab's political landscape witnessed a sharp escalation on Wednesday as state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Sunil Jakhar launched a scathing attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. He alleged that its opposition to the central government's Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission–Gramin (VB-G RAM G) is motivated by a fear of corruption being uncovered, rather than any genuine concern for poor workers.
Launching the Jan Jagran Abhiyan in Fazilka
The accusations were made during the launch of the BJP's 'Jan Jagran Abhiyan' (public awareness campaign) at Kheowali Dhab village in Fazilka district on January 7, 2026. Addressing a gathering that included party workers and MGNREGA labourers, Jakhar positioned the new scheme as a direct assault on systemic graft that allegedly plagued the previous employment guarantee framework.
"What is the issue if the Modi Government wants to give 125 workdays to workers instead of 100? It is for the benefit of the poor and the deserving," Jakhar questioned. He explained the financial shift: under the old MGNREGA, the Centre funded 90% and the state 10%, but under VB-G RAM G, the state's share increases to 40% with the Centre providing 60%. "They don't want to add the extra 30 per cent for all-around development of villages," he asserted, framing the AAP's reluctance as a refusal to invest in rural progress.
A 'War Against Corruption' in Punjab
Jakhar was unequivocal in stating that VB-G RAM G was designed to 'plug corruption' under MGNREGA. He claimed that despite funds being allocated, workers were previously denied adequate employment, with work and commissions being routed through contractors and politicians. "Once the files are opened, corruption in previous MGNREGA projects will come out, and people will know which politicians enjoyed money meant for the poor," he warned.
Drawing a parallel, he said, "Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann launched 'Yudh Nasheyan Viruddh', which has completely failed. Through VB-G RAM G, our aim in Punjab is 'Yudh Bhrashtachar Viruddh' (war against corruption)." He further cited Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's highlighting of over 10,000 corruption cases from Punjab under MGNREGA, accusing the state government of failing to act on even one.
Defending the Name and Targeting State Spending
Responding to criticism over renaming MGNREGA, Jakhar defended the VB-G RAM G nomenclature by invoking Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy. "Gandhiji always began meetings with Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram bhajan... At least now, people can say Ram, and rival political parties have an objection to that," he stated.
He also took aim at the Punjab government's fiscal priorities. Noting that Rs 1,320 crore has been allocated for VB-G RAM G this financial year, he said the state could secure Rs 2,000 crore worth of village development works by contributing only Rs 600 crore. "They should spend less on advertisement campaigns and on the expenditures of various sahabs—Kejriwal sahab, Sisodia sahab, Jain sahab and so on," he remarked.
Jakhar criticized the calling of a special Vidhan Sabha session to oppose the scheme, suggesting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and "the real CM Arvind Kejriwal" should thank Prime Minister Modi instead. He also highlighted poor MGNREGA implementation under AAP, claiming Punjab provided an average of only 26 days of work this year, with Fazilka at a mere 17 days. "Eating the poor's money is a sin," he added.
Concluding his address delivered in a mix of Hindi, Punjabi, and the local Bhagria dialect, Jakhar claimed the public felt misled and now regretted voting for AAP. "If anyone can save Punjab, it is the BJP under Narendra Modi. Give the BJP a chance," he appealed. The event was also addressed by former cabinet minister Surjit Jayani, with the party planning similar programs across the state.
