Vijayawada, January 30, 2026: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president YS Sharmila Reddy defended the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) at a press conference, calling it a remarkable scheme that has boosted village economies, empowered labourers with better bargaining power, and transformed rural life across India.
She credited her father, late chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, for shaping the program through direct wage payments, mass bank account openings, and social audits, noting that Andhra Pradesh pioneered its rollout two decades ago and currently has 91.44 lakh active workers.
Sharmila accused the central government of attempting to dismantle the scheme via the VB-G RAM-G Bill, which she said undermines workers' rights and shifts burdens unfairly. She also criticised former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's planned padayatra, questioning his past delivery on promises.
