Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Janasena Party President Pawan Kalyan marked May Day by attending celebrations at CK Convention in Mangalagiri, where he interacted with MGNREGA workers. In a candid moment, he praised the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), calling it a “great scheme” that has empowered rural laborers across the country.
The MGNREGA scheme was launched in 2006 by the Congress-led UPA government under Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, with the pilot project inaugurated in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. As of 2024-25, over 13 crore active workers are enrolled under the scheme nationwide.Pawan’s acknowledgment of a flagship Congress scheme, while being part of the BJP-led NDA,has raised eyebrows within political circles.