Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp political attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging a personal aversion to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the rights of India's impoverished citizens. The accusation, made on social media platform X, comes amid a contentious debate over proposed changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The Core Allegation: A 'Deep Dislike' for Gandhi and the Poor
In a post dated 16 December 2025, Rahul Gandhi stated that the Prime Minister harbors a profound antipathy towards two fundamental pillars. "Modi-ji has a deep dislike for two things -- the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and the rights of the poor," the Congress MP wrote. This statement directly links the current government's policy direction, particularly concerning the welfare scheme, to a philosophical divergence from Gandhian principles.
The comment is seen as a direct response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the potential overhaul of the MGNREGA scheme. The rural jobs guarantee program, a flagship initiative of the previous Congress-led UPA government, has often been a point of political friction.
Congress Announces Nationwide Agitation
Escalating the confrontation, the Indian National Congress has declared its intention to organize a nationwide stir against the perceived undermining of the MGNREGA. The party frames the proposed changes not merely as administrative adjustments but as an ideological assault on a social safety net that protects the most vulnerable.
The planned agitation aims to mobilize public opinion and put pressure on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. Congress leaders argue that any dilution of the scheme's provisions would directly harm millions of rural households dependent on it for livelihood security.
Political Repercussions and the Battle of Narratives
This development marks a significant intensification of the political rhetoric between the ruling party and the principal opposition. By invoking the name of Mahatma Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi seeks to anchor the Congress's opposition in a broader moral and ideological framework, contrasting it with the current government's approach.
The BJP is yet to issue a formal, detailed rebuttal to these specific charges. However, the government has consistently defended its record on poverty alleviation and rural development, often citing direct benefit transfers and other central schemes. This clash sets the stage for a heated parliamentary and public debate on welfare, ideology, and governance as the political landscape heats up.
The outcome of this row and the success of the Congress's planned stir could influence the political discourse leading up to future electoral battles, keeping MGNREGA and the legacy of Gandhi at the center of national politics.
