In a shocking development, the Gujarat government has been cornered after a major MGNREGA scam came to light in Dahod district. BJP leader and Minister of State for Agriculture Bachu Khabad has been accused of taking INR 3 crore under MGNREGA schemes without any work being done on his lands.
Locals Say No Work Was Done
As per reports, Pipero village in Dhanpur taluka has 498 survey numbers, out of which 12 belong to Minister Bachu Khabad and several others are in the names of his family members. Government documents and the MGNREGA portal show that several development works like wells, check dams, afforestation and storm water drainage were supposedly done on these lands.
But locals claim no such work ever happened. Despite this, lakhs of rupees have already been paid for these “completed” projects.
Opposition Demands Probe
Leader of Opposition Amit Chavda said the payments total INR 3 crore for work that only exists on paper. He alleged that a full and fair investigation could expose the involvement of the minister, his family and BJP leaders at the local level.
He also said that Minister Khabad is misusing his power, threatening locals who speak out and influencing the investigation. Chavda questioned why ED and Income Tax officials are silent and asked, “Are they waiting for orders?”
Scam From Talati to Minister
Chavda further mentioned that even BJP MP Vasava admitted that the entire government machinery from Talati to the Minister might be involved in the scam. Despite the large amount of money involved, the accused are still enjoying government perks and facing no action.
This alleged MGNREGA scam worth crores has raised serious questions about transparency, political misuse, and lack of accountability in rural employment schemes.
