Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp attack on the central government following a crucial party meeting, accusing it of undermining the nation's federal framework and targeting its most vulnerable citizens. The criticism came after a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party's highest decision-making body, held on December 27, 2024.
Congress Working Committee Meeting Sets the Stage
The political storm was triggered by discussions during the CWC gathering. The committee, which includes senior leaders like party president Mallikarjun Kharge, former chief Sonia Gandhi, and General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, convened to deliberate on the current political landscape. A central point of contention was the government's recent move concerning the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Rahul Gandhi, a key figure in the party, emerged from the meeting with a strong condemnation. He asserted that the decision to repeal or fundamentally weaken the MGNREGA scheme represents a direct assault on the constitutional principle of federalism. He argued that such a move strips state governments of a crucial tool for providing livelihood security and economic stability in rural areas.
An "Attack on the Poor" and Federal Structure
In his statement, Gandhi framed the issue as a double blow to the nation's foundational principles and its people. "The repeal of MGNREGA is an attack on the federal structure and poor people," he declared. He emphasized that the scheme is not merely a welfare program but a legal guarantee of work and dignity for millions of rural households, enacted by a Congress-led government.
Gandhi elaborated that by dismantling this framework, the central government is concentrating power and undermining the rights of states. This, he claimed, disrupts the balance envisioned by the Constitution. Furthermore, he positioned the move as a betrayal of the economically disadvantaged, who rely on the scheme for survival during agricultural lean seasons and economic downturns.
Political Repercussions and the Road Ahead
The strong statement from the former Congress president is expected to set the tone for the party's strategy against the ruling dispensation. By linking the issue of MGNREGA to the broader concepts of federalism and social justice, the Congress aims to rally opposition parties and public opinion. The party is likely to use this as a key point of attack, portraying the government as anti-poor and centralizing in its approach.
This development signals a hardening of the Congress's stance on economic and federal policies. The party's leadership has made it clear that it will aggressively oppose any dilution of social safety nets and what it perceives as an erosion of state powers. The debate over MGNREGA's future is now poised to become a major political battleground, with significant implications for policy and electoral dynamics in the coming months.
