BJP MLA Bharath Shetty alleges corruption behind Congress NREGA protest

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 20, 2026: Mangaluru North BJP MLA Bharath Shetty on Thursday criticised the Congress party for staging a protest in the name of NREGA, alleging that the party itself is unaware of the reasons behind its agitation.

He claimed that the Congress has consistently opposed initiatives associated with Lord Ram and alleged that scams worth hundreds of crores of rupees had taken place in Karnataka under NREGA.

Shetty stated that under the new Act, such irregularities would no longer be possible and that only those who genuinely work would be entitled to employment. “We are protecting the genuineness of the scheme, but they are protesting against it,” he said.

Alleging that NREGA had earlier become a route for corruption, the MLA said the Congress was resorting to a padayatra because stricter measures would now curb such practices.