Chandigarh, July 1: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Punjab government of reversing its stance on the central ‘VB-G Ram Ji’ scheme. National spokesperson Prem Shukla stated that a program, which faced strong opposition during a special session of the Punjab Assembly just months ago, is now set to be implemented in the state starting July 1, 2026. The BJP views this as evidence of a shift in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s position.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Shukla announced that the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has decided to adopt the central ‘VB-G Ram Ji’ scheme. He claimed that on December 30, 2025, the same scheme was labeled as anti-poor, anti-farmer, and anti-labor during a special assembly session. At that time, the AAP leadership had passed a resolution against the scheme, criticizing the central government.
Shukla questioned what had changed in the past six months that led the government to implement a scheme it previously deemed detrimental to the public. He urged the Punjab government to clarify the reasons for this sudden change in policy.
He further alleged that the Punjab government, anticipating potential losses in the upcoming assembly elections, has been compelled to accept central schemes. Initially opposing the program for political reasons, the state government now appears to be implementing it due to economic conditions and public interest.
Shukla estimated that the scheme would incur an annual expenditure of approximately ₹1,200 to ₹1,300 crore in Punjab, with the central government contributing around ₹750 to ₹800 crore. He emphasized that the central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to enhancing development and creating job opportunities in rural areas of Punjab.
Additionally, the BJP spokesperson pointed out that a new circular issued by the Punjab government acknowledges that the ‘VB-G Ram Ji’ scheme aims to provide employment in rural areas, strengthen livelihood opportunities, accelerate development projects, and advance the national vision of ‘Developed India 2047.’ He questioned why the government opposed the scheme initially if its objectives remain unchanged, and under what circumstances the decision to implement it was made.
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