This situation extends beyond the central government. Several states ruled by the BJP, including Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh—considered strongholds—continue to face significant unemployment challenges. Young people in these states often struggle to find stable employment. Corruption scandals, such as the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh and recent allegations related to MGNREGA in Gujarat, have further complicated the picture. At the same time, questions arise about the effectiveness of the main opposition party, Congress, in highlighting and addressing these issues.
Unemployment in BJP-Ruled States: Examples from Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh
→ Gujarat is frequently cited as a model of development. According to state government data and the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for 2023-24, the unemployment rate in Gujarat remained low, ranging between 1.1% and 2.2%, well below the national average. Recent updates (as of early 2026) indicate Gujarat's unemployment rate stands at around 1.1%, reflecting strong efforts in employment generation across sectors.
→ However, these figures primarily cover the formal sector. In rural and informal areas, the situation differs. Youth continue to face shortages in government jobs, ITI placements, and private sector opportunities. Despite industrial growth, skill mismatches and limited quality jobs persist. The state has emphasized skilling programs, with projections needing nearly one crore additional skilled workers by 2030.
→ In Madhya Pradesh, industrial development has taken place, but unemployment rates have occasionally exceeded the national average in past surveys. Educated youth compete fiercely for positions in SSC, Patwari, police recruitment, and similar exams, yet irregularities and scams disrupt the process for millions.
→ In both states, BJP governments have been in power for extended periods. The failure to fully meet national job creation targets has increased pressure on state-level initiatives. EPFO additions have been notable in organized sectors, but the informal sector—where most Indians work—lacks quality and stability in employment.
The Vyapam Scam in Madhya Pradesh: Deep-Rooted Corruption
→ The Vyapam (Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board) scam ranks among India's largest corruption cases. Originating in the 1990s, it involved irregularities in admissions and recruitments for medical, engineering, police, and other government jobs. Middlemen, officials, politicians, and candidates colluded to manipulate ranks for money.
→ Investigations led to over 2,000 arrests. The most shocking aspect was the series of unnatural deaths—official figures cite 23 to 40, while unofficial estimates exceed 100. These included murders of witnesses, road accidents, and suicides involving accused individuals, witnesses, journalists, and officials. In 2015, the Supreme Court transferred all cases to the CBI.
→ The scam symbolized betrayal of youth aspirations. Millions worked hard, only for merit to be overridden by money and connections. It surfaced during BJP's tenure in the state, raising ongoing questions about the pace of investigation and accountability for the deaths.
Congress's Role: Neglect or Weak Opposition?
→ In major scandals like Vyapam, Congress's performance as opposition has faced criticism. The party demanded CBI probes and pushed for SITs, but failed to elevate the issue to a national or international level to draw widespread public attention. In Madhya Pradesh and at the Centre, Congress struggled to build sustained pressure with concrete evidence and campaigns.
→ In Gujarat, Congress's image has been controversial, with frequent accusations of "settings" or tacit understandings with BJP. From older cases linked to Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram to recent MGNREGA allegations, Congress raised charges but lagged in follow-through, public mobilization, or decisive action.
→ A notable recent example is the MGNREGA scam in Dahod district, Gujarat (2025), where sons of a BJP minister were arrested in connection with a ₹71 crore fraud involving fake payments and forged documents. Multiple FIRs were filed, and wage liabilities mounted. Congress demanded the minister's resignation and highlighted the issue, but its success in turning it into a major national campaign remained limited. Earlier MGNREGA irregularities also saw similar patterns—allegations raised, but often confined to rhetoric.
→ Congress needed to play a stronger opposition role by consistently pursuing investigations and building public awareness. The inability to do so effectively has impacted its credibility on governance and anti-corruption fronts. **The Way Forward: Solutions to the Unemployment Crisis**
→ **Transparent Recruitment Processes** → Examinations for SSC, PSC, Railways, and similar bodies require enhanced digital monitoring, CCTV surveillance, and strict anti-leakage measures to restore trust.
→ Skill Development Focus
→ Emphasis on industry growth in the private sector, along with widespread skill training, re-skilling, and up-skilling programs to bridge mismatches between education and job market needs.
→ Informal Sector Reforms
→ Schemes like MGNREGA demand greater transparency through biometric attendance, direct benefit transfers, and audits to prevent leakages and ensure genuine employment.
→ Opposition Responsibility
→ Beyond accusations, the opposition must pursue rigorous investigations, launch public movements, and hold governments accountable through sustained campaigns.
→ Government Challenge
→ Moving beyond unfulfilled promises like 2 crore annual jobs, focus on measurable, real job creation across sectors, including MSMEs and rural industries. India's youth are no longer swayed by slogans alone—they seek tangible results. States like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have seen development, but shadows of unemployment and corruption linger. The opposition must also reflect on its shortcomings. True change will come when all political parties prioritize employment over short-term political gains, working together for sustainable job creation and transparent governance.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World March 15, 2026
