Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has made a strong declaration. He says his party will fight for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, or MGNREGA, until the very end. Kharge issued this statement on January 13, 2026.
New Act Faces Criticism
Kharge directed his criticism at a recently introduced piece of legislation. The law is called the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act. People often shorten this name to the VB-G RAM G Act.
The Congress leader claims this new act will create serious problems. He argues it will actively obstruct the normal functioning of local panchayats across the country. Panchayats are the cornerstone of rural self-governance in India.
A Battle for Rural Employment
Kharge's comments highlight a growing political clash. The fight centers on rural employment guarantees and local governance. MGNREGA is a flagship social welfare scheme. It promises 100 days of wage employment each year to rural households.
The Congress party views MGNREGA as a critical safety net for millions. Kharge's promise to defend it signals a major political stance. He frames the new Viksit Bharat Act as a direct threat to this established program.
Political tensions are clearly rising. This debate touches on core issues of federalism, rural development, and welfare delivery. The argument over which law better serves villagers is now front and center in national politics.
Observers note that Kharge's strong language reflects deep concerns within the opposition. They worry about the central government's new policy direction. The claim that panchayats will be hampered is a serious allegation. It suggests a potential centralization of power that could weaken local institutions.
This development is particularly significant for states like Karnataka. The state has a history of robust panchayat systems and relies heavily on MGNREGA funds. The political battle over these schemes is set to intensify in the coming months.
