Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha elections: Why these workers are in high demand for election campaigns

File photo used for representation

In a notable shift this election season in Uttar Pradesh (UP), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) workers are finding themselves in high demand, not for their usual manual labor, but as party workers for election campaigns.

This phenomenon has sparked a debate over the exploitation of these workers for political gains.

Typically earning around Rs 250 for their labor per day, MGNREGA workers are now being lured into election meetings and campaigning with promises of Rs 300 wages, along with three meals a day and even liquor at night.

This increase in remuneration, coupled with additional benefits, has led to a scarcity of MGNREGA workers willing to engage in their regular tasks, such as digging ponds or other rural development work across various parts of UP.

Raja Bhaiya, who runs an NGO in Banda, UP, called Vidya Dham Samiti said that in Bundelkhand region these workers are involved in election campaign at even lesser price of Rs 200-Rs 250 per day.

“They are enticed by free three-time meal a day and liquor in evening. And this is enough for them to work at lower price,” he told Money Control.

Sukhai Ram, who has MGNREGA job card was asked to report to Gram Sabha Karonda in Barabanki, where he lives, for digging a pond and construction of culvert. But has refused to go. “I will go there after chunav,” he said emphasising on increased wages and `shaam ki dawai” – which means liquor.

The Department of Rural Development in Lucknow has received complaints from many districts that work under MGNREGA is hampered because of election. “There is paucity of labour force and this happens in all elections. Diversion is natural and government has no control over it,” a senior official told this reporter.

These workers carry election material, carry flags in the rallies and they are even part of crowd in roadshows.

The utilization of MGNREGA workers for political purposes has drawn criticism from various quarters, with concerns raised over the ethical implications of such practices.

Speaking on the matter, Dr. Rajesh Sharma, a political analyst, stated, "The exploitation of MGNREGA workers for election campaigning raises serious ethical concerns. These workers, who are already vulnerable, are being enticed with temporary benefits to serve political interests, undermining the purpose of the employment guarantee scheme."

The issue has also reignited discussions around the effectiveness of MGNREGA in addressing rural unemployment and poverty, with some arguing that the scheme's objectives are being subverted for short-term political gains.

On the ground, the impact of this trend is evident, as rural development projects suffer from a lack of available labor, affecting the pace and quality of work undertaken in various regions of UP.

Responding to the criticism, political parties have defended their actions, citing the need for manpower during election campaigns and asserting that they are providing employment opportunities to MGNREGA workers.

“The temperature has gone up menacingly. It is already over 40 Degree Celsius. People are preferring to stay indoors. We need foot soldiers and have hired some from village,” Rupesh Kumar, a BJP leader told this report.

He feigned ignorance whether these people are MGNREGA workers or not. “Every mazdoor has a job card at village. We pick them from mazdoor mandi, he said.

However, civil society organizations and activists have called for greater oversight and accountability to prevent the exploitation of MGNREGA workers and ensure the integrity of the employment guarantee scheme.

As the election season progresses, the debate surrounding the utilization of MGNREGA workers for election campaigning is likely to continue, highlighting the complex interplay between politics, labor, and social welfare schemes in rural India.