BSP supremo Mayawati has strongly criticized the Rajasthan government led by Ashok Gehlot, alleging that the recently passed minimum guaranteed income bill is driven by political motives aimed at wooing voters ahead of the upcoming assembly polls. The bill, passed by the Rajasthan Assembly on July 20, promises minimum guaranteed income to all adult citizens as part of a comprehensive welfare package for the state.
Under the provisions of the bill, beneficiaries will receive guaranteed employment at minimum wage for up to 125 days per financial year. Additionally, seniors, widows, and single women are entitled to receive a pension as part of the welfare measures outlined in the legislation. Notably, the pension amount will see an annual increase of 15% from the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Mayawati expressed her criticism towards the Rajasthan government, accusing them of inaction and internal political conflicts during their tenure. She remarked that the government could have initiated various measures related to public welfare, poverty alleviation, employment generation, and backwardness had they been proactive instead of remaining dormant like the legendary character “Kumbhakarna.”
The announcement of the minimum guaranteed income scheme by the Congress-led government in Rajasthan, just before the assembly elections, has drawn skepticism from Mayawati. She asserted that the move seems more influenced by political interests than genuine concern for public welfare. Mayawati raised concerns over the immediate relief for the impoverished sections of society, questioning whether such a substantial allocation of government funds is justified solely for publicity purposes.
The minimum guaranteed income bill has garnered significant attention as it aims to provide much-needed financial support to the marginalized sections of Rajasthan’s population. However, Mayawati’s criticism underscores the broader political landscape, with political parties utilizing welfare schemes as potential vote-winning strategies in the run-up to the assembly elections.
The bill’s passage marks a significant step towards addressing poverty and unemployment in the state, offering an assured income source to adult citizens through guaranteed employment opportunities. By extending pension benefits to seniors, widows, and single women, the legislation seeks to alleviate financial burdens and provide a sense of security for vulnerable demographics.
However, Mayawati’s critique raises valid concerns about the timing and intent behind the introduction of the bill. With assembly elections approaching, the move has inevitably sparked debate over whether it represents a sincere commitment to the welfare of the people or if it is primarily driven by political calculations to sway voter sentiments.
As the assembly polls draw nearer, the implementation and impact of the minimum income bill are likely to be closely scrutinized by both political observers and the public. Whether it can effectively address socio-economic challenges in Rajasthan and truly uplift the lives of its citizens remains to be seen.
The political dynamics surrounding the bill indicate the significance of welfare policies as key electoral tools, often influencing voters’ decisions. As political parties vie for public support, the effectiveness and sincerity of such welfare measures become pivotal factors that will determine their electoral fortunes in the upcoming assembly polls.
