Shivraj Singh Chouhan Critiques Opposition's Politics in RS, Defends G RAM G Act
Synopsis
In a fierce exchange in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticized the opposition for their political maneuvers regarding rural employment schemes while highlighting the Modi government's accomplishments in poverty alleviation.
Key Takeaways
Shivraj Singh Chouhan defends the G RAM G Act against opposition claims.
Criticism of the Congress for prioritizing political gains over welfare.
Discussion on the historical naming of rural employment schemes.
Importance of financial allocations to West Bengal from the Rural Development Ministry.
Highlighting the success of Ayushman Bharat in healthcare.
New Delhi, March 17 (NationPress) Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a staunch critique of the opposition during a session in the Rajya Sabha.
He accused them of indulging in trivial politics concerning the renaming of rural employment schemes while neglecting the genuine advantages provided to those in poverty under the Modi administration.
Responding to the criticisms regarding amendments to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (formerly known as NREGA), Chouhan noted that the scheme was initiated without the name of Mahatma Gandhi. He asserted that the Congress-led UPA incorporated it later for political gain.
Chouhan emphasized that multiple schemes are named after former Prime Ministers from the Gandhi family: Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, arguing that this fosters a narrative centered around a single family.
When Congress MP Pramod Tiwari countered by referencing the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stepped in to clarify that it was named by a private organization, not through government funding.
Chouhan intensified the discussion by highlighting the financial allocations from the Rural Development Ministry to West Bengal.
Trinamool Congress MP Sukhendu Shekhar Roy then raised a point of order, questioning whether the Supreme Court had mandated the Centre to release overdue funds to the state.
In defense of key initiatives, Chouhan commended Ayushman Bharat for offering healthcare services to economically disadvantaged families.
He sarcastically challenged the Congress by asking, "Whose poverty have you alleviated? You merely partake in vote-bank politics."
Point of View
The ongoing debate in the Rajya Sabha reveals deep political divides. Shivraj Singh Chouhan's defense of government initiatives showcases a commitment to rural development while highlighting the opposition's tactics, which appear more focused on political gains than genuine welfare.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Shivraj Singh Chouhan say about the G RAM G Act?
Chouhan defended the G RAM G Act against criticisms from the opposition, asserting that they engage in vote-bank politics rather than focusing on real benefits for the impoverished.
How did the opposition respond to Chouhan's claims?
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari raised points regarding the naming of the Narendra Modi Stadium, which led to further clarifications about government versus private funding.
What is Ayushman Bharat?
Ayushman Bharat is a flagship initiative aimed at providing healthcare coverage to economically disadvantaged families in India.
What historical context did Chouhan provide regarding NREGA?
He highlighted that NREGA was initially launched without Mahatma Gandhi's name and criticized the Congress for adding it later for political leverage.
What was the significance of the debate in the Rajya Sabha?
The debate illustrates the ongoing political tensions in India, particularly concerning rural employment and development initiatives.
