Rahul says PM single-handedly destroyed it
The Congress on Saturday announced a nationwide campaign against the repeal of MGNREGA, with Rahul Gandhi accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “single-handedly destroying” the UPA-era scheme and calling it an attack on democracy that will harm the rural economy.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, along with Rahul Gandhi, said the agitation, starting January 5, will mirror the party’s successful pushback against the three farm laws.
The announcement followed a nearly three-hour Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, the first after the Bihar poll setback.
Kharge said rallies will be held nationwide under the ‘MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan,’ with a detailed plan to be shared soon.
During the CWC, leaders took an oath to protect MGNREGA and fight for the rights of workers, including dignity, employment, and fair compensation.
The VB-G RAM G Bill, replacing the 20-year-old MGNREGA, was passed during the Winter Session amid protests.
Kharge emphasized that MGNREGA represents the constitutional ‘Right to Work.’ “We resolve to oppose the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from MGNREGA and the conversion of workers’ rights into a government dole. We will protect MGNREGA and take our voice to every village,” the CWC oath stated. He added, “People are angry over the repeal, and the government will face consequences.”
Rahul Gandhi called the repeal a devastating attack on states and the poor, likening it to demonetisation. “The prime minister acted without Cabinet approval or study,” he said, asserting Congress will resist. Gandhi described the move as an assault on state infrastructure and resources, hurting weaker sections, including Adivasis, Dalits, OBCs, minorities, and poor general caste communities.
He further claimed the repeal would benefit industrialists like Gautam Adani, stating, “The purpose is to take money from the poor and hand it to people like Mr Adani.”
On the SIR exercise, Kharge warned of a “well-planned conspiracy” to curtail democratic rights, alleging collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission.