The Chandigarh unit of the Congress party took to the streets on Sunday, voicing strong opposition to the central government's move to alter a flagship rural jobs scheme. The demonstration, organized by the Chandigarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CPCC), saw a significant turnout of party members who gathered in Sector 35 to condemn the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government's decision to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and modify its core provisions.
Congress Leaders and Workers Rally with Slogans
The protest witnessed active participation from Congress councillors, senior leaders, and a large number of party workers. The gathering made their dissent visible by holding placards and waving party flags. The air was filled with resonant slogans such as "Mahatma Gandhi Amar Rahein" and "Mahatma, your insult will not be tolerated by Hindustan," directly linking the issue to the legacy of the Father of the Nation.
CPCC President Accuses BJP of Distorting History
Addressing the assembled crowd, CPCC President Harmohinder Singh Lucky launched a sharp critique against the ruling party. He emphasized the invaluable contribution of Mahatma Gandhi to the nation and accused the BJP of engaging in historical distortion. Lucky argued that the government was systematically weakening welfare schemes originally introduced by the Congress party.
He specifically targeted the recent Lok Sabha bill that changed the name of MGNREGA, labeling it as a "narrow and regressive" step. Lucky reiterated that the fundamental design of MGNREGA was to safeguard the rights and provide economic security to the poor and labourers across the country, implying that the changes undermine this very purpose.
Nationwide Movement Announced Against the Decision
In a significant announcement, Harmohinder Singh Lucky declared that the protest in Chandigarh is just the beginning. He stated that the Indian National Congress will launch a nationwide movement to challenge the government's decision on MGNREGA. As part of this escalated agitation, the party plans to organize similar demonstrations and protests across various villages, colonies, and sectors within Chandigarh and beyond, aiming to mobilize public opinion against the move.
The protest underscores the growing political tension over the government's approach to centrally sponsored schemes and sets the stage for further confrontations on the issue of rural employment and welfare.
