Rahul Gandhi Lives in an “Imaginary World,” Says Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Slams Opposition Over G RAM G Protest

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Punjab government on Monday, accusing them of indulging in irresponsible politics and acting against the spirit of the Constitution and India’s federal structure.

Addressing the media in Bhopal, Chouhan reacted strongly to the Punjab Assembly’s decision to convene a special one-day session to oppose the G RAM G legislation passed by Parliament. He termed the move “unconstitutional, undemocratic, and against the basic principles of federalism.”

“It is shocking that a state assembly is setting an agenda to pass a resolution against a law enacted by Parliament,” Chouhan said. “If such a trend continues, will district panchayats or gram panchayats also begin passing resolutions against state laws? This goes completely against constitutional discipline.”

Attack on Rahul Gandhi

Taking aim at Rahul Gandhi, the Union Minister said the Congress leader “lives in an imaginary world” and has no understanding of the ground realities of the country.

“Making statements about governance without a cabinet or council of ministers is nothing but an attempt to spread confusion. Speaking whatever comes to mind is not responsible politics,” Chouhan remarked, accusing Gandhi of practicing political bullying outside Parliament.

He asserted that accepting and implementing laws passed by Parliament is a constitutional responsibility of both the Centre and the states, and opposing them merely for political reasons reflects “blind opposition politics.”

Allegations of Corruption in Punjab

Shivraj Singh Chouhan also launched a scathing attack on the Punjab government over alleged corruption in centrally sponsored schemes, including MGNREGA.

He claimed that thousands of corruption cases have surfaced in Punjab, but neither action has been taken against the guilty nor has any recovery of misappropriated funds been made.

“Out of 13,304 gram panchayats in Punjab, social audits were conducted in only 5,915. These audits revealed over 10,653 cases of financial irregularities, yet no accountability has been fixed,” he said.

Chouhan further alleged that inflated estimates were prepared in the name of road and canal cleaning to siphon off funds. Even after central inspection teams recommended recovery, the state government failed to act. He also pointed out that expenditures were made on activities not permitted under MGNREGA guidelines, while workers complained of not receiving their wages.

Criticism of Mamata Banerjee

The Union Minister also criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of remembering temples and religious faith only during elections.

“Faith is not an election tool. Some leaders visit temples, wear religious symbols, and recite scriptures only when elections approach, but remain silent when religious institutions are attacked,” Chouhan said.

He emphasized that religious faith should be respected genuinely and not exploited for political gains.