In a significant political move ahead of the 2027 Punjab assembly elections, the Congress party organized two "MNREGA Bachao" rallies in Dakha and Raikot, both located in Ludhiana. These events saw prominent leaders, including former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and party's Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, delivering strong speeches that targeted both the BJP-led central government and the AAP-led state administration.
Baghel's Bold Declaration on MNREGA
Bhupesh Baghel made a striking assertion during the rallies, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be compelled to bow down and restore the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). He drew a parallel to the withdrawal of the three controversial agricultural laws, expressing confidence that similar pressure could force the government's hand on MNREGA. Baghel emphasized that the Congress is committed to restoring this crucial scheme at all costs, promising that it would be a top priority if the party forms the government in Punjab in 2027.
Criticism of Central and State Governments
The speakers at the rallies launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of attempting to deprive the poor of their livelihoods by undermining MNREGA. They highlighted how the scheme, introduced during Dr. Manmohan Singh's tenure, was designed to provide employment and security to marginalized communities. Simultaneously, the Congress leaders condemned the AAP government in Punjab for its perceived failure to implement remedial measures at the local level. They pointed out that the state administration has been performing poorly in executing MNREGA, with reports indicating that less than 12% of eligible individuals have received the mandated workdays.
Concerns Over Law and Order in Punjab
Beyond economic issues, the rallies also addressed growing concerns about law and order in Punjab. Speakers expressed alarm over what they described as "complete anarchy," with gangsters allegedly dominating the state. They accused the Punjab Police of colluding with these criminal elements, further exacerbating the security situation. This critique adds another layer to the Congress's campaign, positioning the party as a champion of both economic justice and public safety.
Political Implications for 2027 Elections
With the 2027 Punjab polls on the horizon, these rallies serve as a strategic effort by the Congress to galvanize support. Leaders like Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa reinforced the party's stance, criticizing the Modi government for undermining the rights of soldiers and farmers alike. Baghel even speculated about a future where Rahul Gandhi becomes Prime Minister and restores MNREGA nationally, hinting at broader ambitions beyond Punjab.
The events in Ludhiana underscore the Congress's focus on MNREGA as a key electoral issue, aiming to resonate with laborers and rural voters who depend on the scheme for their livelihood. As political tensions escalate, the party's messaging combines economic promises with critiques of governance failures, setting the stage for a contentious election battle in the coming years.
