Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader has condemned BJP leader Subramanian Swamy for stating that the NDA government will scrap Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which guarantees 100 days of employment, if NDA comes to power at the centre, after the Lok Sabha polls. 

Addressing a press meet here on Wednesday, he said that the MGNREGA had given strength to rural folk by guaranteeing 100 days of work. Such an initiave was not possible anywhere in the world. It is a source of livelihood for hundreds of labourers across the country. “The scrapping of MGNREGA shows the hidden agenda of the BJP and its policy towards the labour class. Either Swamy or the BJP should clarify on the same and seek an apology in public. It is a tragedy that luminary like Swamy has failed to understand the MGNREGA.” 

The Minister said “the MGNREGA not only guaranteed employment, but also empowered women and encouraged them to open an account, transact through banks and cheques. At a time when the labourers were getting Rs 100 for men and Rs 40 for women, the MGNREGA guranteed wage of Rs 150 per day.” 

Stating that there was dearth of leadership in Dakshina Kannada district, Khader called upon the youth in the district to exercise franchise judiciously and ensure that they elect a person with wisdom and integrity. “We need a leader who can raise voice in the Parliament and fight for the cause of the people of the district. I am confident that the youth will exercise their franchise judiciouly and Poojary will win with a thumping majority.” 

Congress candidate for DK constituency Janardhan Poojary always speaks truth. Many from the opposition are levelling allegations against Poojary for his daring nature. The voters should introspect before exercising their franchise, he added. 

As a MP, he has his own strength and ensure that the welfare programmes of the Central government reaches its beneficiaries. If there was any loopholes in the implementation, he should set it right, he said citing loopholes in the implementation of MGNREGS in Dakshina Kannada district. 

Fight in Block Cong

To a query on clash in Ullal Block Congress, the Minister said that minor differences are common. All the differences have been sorted out and the party workers are united to work for the victory of its candidate. 

On boycott of election announced in a few areas in Mangalore constituency, he said that a few innocents have been arrested in the recent communal flare up in Ullal.