Congress Launches Nationwide Movement to Save MGNREGA: What You Need to Know

Congress's Bold Campaign Against MGNREGA Repeal

New Delhi: On Saturday, the Congress party declared a nationwide initiative aimed at opposing the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), set to commence on January 5. Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly 'single-handedly dismantling' this UPA-era legislation, asserting that it poses a threat to democracy and the rural economy.

During a press briefing, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, alongside Rahul Gandhi, outlined their strategy, which mirrors the successful protests against the three farm laws that led to their withdrawal by the Modi administration.

Following a nearly three-hour session of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Kharge announced the launch of the 'MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan' starting January 5, with further details regarding nationwide rallies to be revealed soon.

Before the CWC meeting, Digvijaya Singh praised the organizational strength of the RSS and BJP, sharing an old image of Modi and commenting on how a grassroots worker ascended to the roles of chief minister and prime minister through dedication to their leaders. He later emphasized the need for strengthening Congress and decentralizing its state branches.

During the CWC gathering, Congress members pledged to safeguard MGNREGA at all costs, vowing to fight for the rights to dignity, employment, and timely compensation for workers across the nation.

The VB-G RAM G Bill, which replaces the two-decade-old MGNREGA, was passed in Parliament amid significant opposition protests.

Kharge emphasized that MGNREGA is not merely a program but a constitutional 'Right to Work.'

"We are committed to opposing any attempts to erase Mahatma Gandhi's name from MGNREGA and to transform workers' rights into mere government handouts. We will uphold the Constitution and Indian democracy, ensuring the protection of MGNREGA and the rights of workers in every village," he stated during the CWC meeting.

Kharge remarked, "Public sentiment is against the repeal of MGNREGA, and the government will face repercussions for this decision."

He reiterated that the Congress party would spearhead the 'MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan' starting January 5.

In his address, he declared, "We will unite to advocate for the rights of rural laborers, ensuring dignity, employment, fair wages, and timely payments while protecting demand-based employment rights and gram sabha."

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused the prime minister of launching a severe attack on states and the impoverished, likening it to the fallout from demonetization.

"The prime minister has destroyed MGNREGA without consulting his Cabinet or thoroughly examining the implications," he asserted.

He expressed confidence that the entire opposition would unite against this move.

In a Hindi post on X, Gandhi later stated, "The sole intention behind ending MGNREGA is to eliminate employment rights for the poor, seize economic and political power from the states, and transfer that wealth to billionaire allies."

"The entire nation will suffer due to the whims of the 'lone ranger' Prime Minister. Job opportunities will vanish, and the rural economy will collapse. A weakened rural sector will lead to a weakened nation," he warned.

Gandhi characterized the repeal as an assault on India's federal structure, claiming it undermines states and the disadvantaged, executed by the prime minister unilaterally, similar to the demonetization initiative.

He argued that this action strips states of financial resources and decision-making authority, impacting infrastructure development that MGNREGA has historically supported.

"This will inflict severe hardship on marginalized groups, including Adivasis, Dalits, OBCs, economically disadvantaged general castes, and minorities," Gandhi stated.

He further claimed that the repeal would primarily benefit individuals like Mr. Adani, asserting that the objective is to divert funds from the poor to wealthy elites.

Regarding the SIR initiative, Kharge described it as a serious concern and a 'well-planned conspiracy' aimed at restricting democratic rights. He alleged collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission.

"We must ensure that our voters' names remain intact and that the names of Dalits, tribals, extremely backward classes, and minorities are neither deleted nor transferred. Our booth-level agents must conduct door-to-door outreach," he urged party members to prepare for the upcoming elections in 2027.

Kharge also condemned the violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, expressing that it is a matter of concern for all of India. Party leader Shashi Tharoor emphasized that the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh should not be equated with the treatment of minorities in India.

Kharge accused organizations linked to the BJP and RSS of disrupting communal harmony and tarnishing India's global reputation.