The Indian National Congress has taken a decisive step to launch a nationwide agitation for the protection of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The party has established a high-level coordination committee to spearhead the movement, which has been named the 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram'.
Leadership and Committee Formation
To ensure the protest is well-organized and impactful, the Congress leadership has appointed senior party figure Ajay Maken to lead the coordination panel. This committee will be responsible for overseeing the entire agitation programme, from planning to execution across various states. The move signals the party's serious intent to bring the issues surrounding the rural job guarantee scheme to the forefront of national discourse.
Phases of the Agitation Programme
The protest campaign is set to unfold in a structured manner. According to the announced plan, the agitation will commence on January 10, 2026. The first phase will involve organizing press conferences at the district level throughout the country. These conferences aim to articulate the party's stance and grievances regarding MGNREGA directly to local media and the public.
Following the press meets, the second phase will see a more intense form of protest. Congress workers and supporters will stage a one-day fast at all district headquarters. The party has specified that these fasts will be held either at the district headquarters or in symbolic locations such as near statues of Mahatma Gandhi or Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, linking the protest to ideals of social justice and rights.
Political Context and Implications
This planned agitation underscores the Congress party's strategy to focus on rural distress and flagship welfare schemes as key political issues. MGNREGA, which guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households, has often been a subject of political debate regarding funding, implementation, and its role as a social safety net. By launching a 'Bachao Sangram' or 'Save the Struggle', the Congress is positioning itself as the defender of the scheme against alleged government neglect or undermining.
The choice of Ajay Maken, an experienced organizer and former minister, indicates a focus on systematic nationwide mobilization rather than a sporadic protest. The detailed schedule, starting with district-level events, suggests an attempt to build momentum from the ground up. This movement is likely to set the tone for the party's engagement on economic and rural issues in the coming months, potentially influencing public sentiment and policy discussions around rural employment and welfare.
