Congress Leaders Rally Against MGNREGA Repeal, Call for Worker Unity
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi delivered impassioned speeches at the National MGNREGA workers' convention in New Delhi on Thursday, condemning the government's repeal of the rural employment guarantee scheme and urging workers to unite in protest.
"Farmers Showed the Way, Workers Must Follow"
Rahul Gandhi drew parallels between the repeal of MGNREGA and the controversial farm laws, stating that the Narendra Modi government's objectives remain consistent in both cases. "The same concept that the government tried on farmers it is now trying on workers," Gandhi asserted during his address at Jawahar Bhawan.
He reminded the audience of the successful farmer protests that led to the rollback of agricultural reforms, emphasizing that "if they stand together, Modi ji will back off and MGNREGA would be reinstated." Gandhi described the current moment as "a big opportunity for the poor people who believe in the Constitution, democracy and the idea of India."
Kharge Sees "Conspiracy to Erase" Gandhi's Legacy
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took a more historical perspective, characterizing the MGNREGA repeal as part of a deliberate effort to diminish Mahatma Gandhi's influence in public consciousness. "The repeal of MGNREGA was part of a conspiracy to erase Mahatma Gandhi's name from public memory," Kharge declared.
He promised that the Congress party would vigorously raise the issue during the upcoming Budget session of Parliament, stating unequivocally: "We will strongly raise the issue of MGNREGA repeal."
Structural Concerns and Political Allegations
Rahul Gandhi expressed deep concerns about the structural implications of replacing MGNREGA with what he referred to as the "VB-G RAM G Act." He criticized what he perceives as a centralization of power, warning that "the Central government in Delhi will decide how much money to send to which state," with preferential treatment likely for BJP-ruled states.
Gandhi framed this as part of a broader pattern, mentioning previous policies like demonetization and what he called "flawed GST" as similar constitutional challenges. "These people want to bring back the India of pre-Independence where one king used to decide everything," he claimed, suggesting the current administration seeks to fundamentally alter India's democratic structure.
Congress Launches Nationwide Campaign
The convention marked the launch of 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' - a 45-day nationwide campaign against the repeal of the UPA-era scheme. Approximately 400 MGNREGA workers and activists from over two dozen states participated in the gathering, reflecting broad-based concern about the policy change.
Kharge emphasized the party's commitment to the cause, assuring attendees: "In this fight, the Congress party, Sonia Gandhi ji, Rahul Gandhi ji and every single worker is with you." He also expressed disappointment that other political parties haven't shown similar enthusiasm for the issue, noting the absence of equally strong voices from opposition groups.
The Path Forward: Unity and Resistance
Both leaders stressed that successful resistance requires widespread worker solidarity. "There is only one way to stop them, workers have been shown the way by farmers," Gandhi stated, characterizing the government as "cowardly" in the face of united opposition.
Kharge reinforced this message, declaring: "We will have to fight together to bring back MGNREGA." The Congress president vowed to continue the struggle until the government withdraws the new legislation and fully restores the original rural employment guarantee program that has provided livelihood security to millions since its inception.
