Union minister Giriraj Singh launched a sharp attack on the Congress in Begusarai on Saturday, saying opponents object not to the scheme itself but to the name invoking Lord Ram. Speaking at a public meeting, he defended the “Ji Ram Ji scheme” as part of the government’s continued effort to improve welfare delivery for marginalised workers.
Ji Ram Ji scheme and political debate in Bihar
Singh accused Rahul Gandhi and his allies of taking offence at the reference to Lord Ram rather than raising substantive objections to the scheme’s content. “Their problem is not with the scheme, it is with the name of Lord Ram,” he said, asserting that the government works with Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals at heart while pursuing policies for the poor.
The minister used the occasion to contrast current practices with those he described as flawed under the previous United Progressive Alliance administration. Citing government figures, he said the UPA allocated 2.13 lakh crore rupees to rural employment schemes over ten years, while the present government has disbursed in excess of 8.50 lakh crore rupees. Singh claimed the Narendra Modi administration reduced corruption by improving transparency and transferring funds directly into workers’ accounts.
Addressing measures to boost rural employment, he highlighted that states now have the authority to offer up to 125 days of work under the national rural employment guarantee scheme, up from 100 days. “If the opposition dislikes one hundred and twenty-five days of work, let them say so openly,” he challenged.
While Singh framed the changes as a pro-worker outcome, critics of the government argue that invoking religious symbolism in the branding of welfare schemes risks polarising communities and shifting debate away from implementation and oversight. Political analysts note that the use of culturally resonant names can strengthen electoral messaging but may also invite controversy, particularly from parties sensitive to secular framings of public policy.
The remarks in Begusarai come amid continuing national discussion about the balance between cultural identity and governance. The government’s emphasis on direct benefit transfers and greater allocations to rural employment has been central to its claim of delivering results to the poor, but opposition parties have continued to raise concerns about targeting, adequacy of funds, and administrative transparency.
Singh’s public comments are likely to escalate scrutiny of the scheme’s rollout and of how political parties frame welfare initiatives in the run-up to upcoming elections. Observers will watch whether states take up the option to extend employment days and how the debate over the scheme’s name affects public perception in key constituencies.
Key Takeaways:
- Union minister Giriraj Singh said critics object to the name “Ji Ram Ji scheme” rather than its provisions.
- The minister contrasted Modi government transfers with alleged MGNREGA corruption under the UPA, citing funding figures.
- Centre has allowed states to raise employment from 100 to 125 days, a move Singh framed as pro-worker.
- The remarks heighten political debate over cultural symbolism in welfare programmes ahead of elections.
