Workers of the Indian National Congress (INC) staged a significant protest in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, voicing strong opposition to the central government's recent move to replace the longstanding rural jobs guarantee scheme. The demonstration, held under the banner 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram', took place at Townhall Park in the Maidagin area.
Symbolic Fast and Heightened Security
The protestors observed a symbolic fast near the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Bhimrao Ambedkar, condemning the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the introduction of the new Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), known as VB-G RAM G. The event prompted a major security response. Authorities tightened surveillance around the public outreach office of Prime Minister and Varanasi MP Narendra Modi, with police and paramilitary forces monitoring all approach routes.
Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai, who led the protest, stated that the fast was a direct response to the government ending the MGNREGA law. He accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to curtail people's rights and vowed that the Congress would not allow it. Rai also alleged that police were deployed to disrupt their peaceful demonstration and that opposition leaders were prevented from leaving their homes to join.
Nationwide Agitation and Upcoming Rallies
This protest marks the beginning of a broader, nationwide three-phase agitation titled "MGNREGA Bachao" announced by the party on January 3. Ajay Rai outlined an extensive schedule of rallies across Uttar Pradesh. He confirmed that top national leaders, including Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, MP Priyanka Gandhi, and LoP in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, will participate in a major concluding rally in Lucknow.
Rai detailed the planned route, stating, "There will be a historic rally in which Varanasi will conduct its rally on January 8, then there is Mathura, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Sitapur on January 24. It will end at Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan in the form of a historic rally, which is going to be held in Lucknow." He emphasized their resolve to fight for the rights of the poor and to ensure Mahatma Gandhi's legacy is not forgotten.
Controversy Over the New VB-G RAM G Act
The protest centers on the VB-G RAM G Act, which replaced the two-decade-old MGNREGA scheme. The new legislation was passed by Parliament on December 18 and received Presidential assent on December 21, amidst strong opposition protests. Rai criticized the name of the new scheme, alleging the BJP is using "G RAM G" for misleading propaganda and invoked Mahatma Gandhi's connection to Lord Ram to underline his point.
The new law entitles rural workers to 125 days of wage employment annually. A key change is in the funding pattern: Section 22 of the Act mandates a cost-sharing ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and states. For North Eastern states, Himalayan states, and Union Territories like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, the Centre will bear 90% of the cost.
Furthermore, Section 6 provides flexibility to state governments, allowing them to pre-identify up to 60 days in a financial year to align with peak agricultural periods such as sowing and harvesting seasons. Despite these provisions, the Congress maintains that the new scheme undermines a crucial social safety net and have pledged to continue their agitation.
