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Summary:

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the central government’s plan to rename the MGNREGA scheme to ‘Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojna’ and increase the workdays to 125. He dismissed criticism from the Congress party, stating that the opposition always criticizes the government regardless of the program’s success. Fadnavis also addressed concerns about restrictions on opposition protests during the state legislature’s winter session in Nagpur, claiming the government welcomes discussion and debate. He expressed confidence that the ruling Mahayuti alliance will win the upcoming Mumbai municipal corporation elections and will decide together with Shiv Sena BJP for Kalyan-Dombivli seats.

News Article:

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Defends MGNREGA Renaming, Dismisses Congress Criticism

NAGPUR, December 13, 2025 – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly defended the central government’s decision to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to ‘Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojna’ and increase the number of workdays under the scheme.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur on Saturday, Fadnavis dismissed criticism from the Congress party, asserting that they consistently target the government regardless of the program’s benefits to the people. “They criticize when work is carried out under the MGNREGA, but they also attack when no work is carried out,” he stated. “Hence, there is no need to pay attention to them.”

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved the bill to rename the program and increase workdays to 125, a move Fadnavis believes will significantly boost rural development and employment generation. He also countered concerns raised by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi about potential unnecessary spending due to the renaming.

Fadnavis addressed allegations that the opposition was being stifled during the ongoing winter session of the Maharashtra legislature in Nagpur. He denied any government strategy to restrict protests, stating, “We don’t have any such strategy. On the contrary, I am very happy that a lot of discussion is going on in this year’s session.” He emphasized the importance of debate and discussion in a democracy.

Looking ahead to the upcoming municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra, Fadnavis expressed confidence that the next mayor of Mumbai will be from the ruling Mahayuti alliance. He also addressed the political landscape in the Kalyan-Dombivli region, noting the dominance of Shiv Sena and BJP, and stating that the two parties will jointly decide on seat allocation.

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