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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Prem Shukla accused the Punjab government of taking a U-turn regarding the Centre’s ‘VB-Ji Ram Ji’ scheme. He said that the scheme which was strongly opposed in the special session of the Punjab Assembly a few months ago, has now been implemented in the state from July 1, 2026. BJP has raised questions calling this a proof of the changed attitude of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

Prem Shukla said in the press conference held on Wednesday that the Bhagwant Mann government of Punjab has decided to implement the ‘VB-Ji Ram Ji’ scheme of the Centre. He claimed that in the special session of the Punjab Assembly on December 30, 2025, this scheme was described as anti-poor, farmers, Dalits and laborers. According to him, at that time the leadership of Aam Aadmi Party had criticized the Central Government by passing a resolution against this scheme in the Assembly.

BJP spokesperson said that now after six months the same government is implementing this scheme. He asked what has changed that the scheme which was earlier being described as anti-people, is now being described as a medium of rural development and employment. He said that the Punjab government should explain the reason for this change to the public.

Prem Shukla alleged that in view of the possible defeat in the upcoming assembly elections, the Punjab government has now been forced to accept the Centre’s plans. He said that the state government was earlier opposing the scheme due to political reasons, but now considering the economic circumstances and public interest, it had to be implemented.

He claimed that around Rs 1,200 to 1,300 crore will be spent every year in Punjab on this scheme, of which the central government will contribute around Rs 750 to 800 crore. The Central Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to the development of Punjab and increasing employment opportunities in rural areas.

The BJP spokesperson also said that the new circular issued by the Punjab government itself admits that the objective of the ‘VB-Ji Ram Ji’ scheme is to provide employment in rural areas, strengthen livelihood opportunities, accelerate development works and take forward the national vision of ‘Developed India 2047’. The government should explain that when the objectives of the scheme are the same, why was it opposed earlier and under what circumstances the decision to implement it was taken now.