Dahod MGNREGA scam: Collusion by local BJP leaders suspected, locals call for impartial probe
Updated: May 23rd, 2025
Allegations of deepening political collusion and corruption have intensified in the MGNREGA scam unfolding in Dahod district, following the arrests of State Agriculture Minister Bachubhai Khabad’s sons—Balvant and Kiran Khabad.
Local residents have expressed concern over what they describe as a lack of impartiality in the investigation. Many now allege that local BJP leaders may have played a role in facilitating the scam, which involves the embezzlement of lakhs of rupees from the employment guarantee scheme meant for rural and tribal workers.
In areas such as Devgadh Baria and Dhanpur, development work listed under MGNREGA—such as pond deepening, hand pump repairs, and construction of check dams and metal roads—was never carried out. Despite this, agencies linked to the minister’s sons reportedly received payments running into lakhs.
“There is a buzz among locals that while it is claimed that poor labourers were given jobs under MGNREGA, the question remains: if no work has been done, then what work did these labourers supposedly perform?” a resident said.
Investigations suggest that the agencies run by the minister’s sons were consistently awarded contracts, during which time poor tribal residents were allegedly misled with promises of benefits under government schemes. Their personal documents were collected, MGNREGA job cards were created in their names, and in many cases, their ATM cards were also taken.
Subsequently, large sums were withdrawn from their bank accounts without their knowledge. Locals claim a prominent BJP leader in Dahod district played a central role in this operation and is reportedly in possession of numerous ATM cards belonging to tribal labourers.
The scam has raised serious questions about systemic abuse of welfare schemes in tribal regions.
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