The Indian government's move to replace the landmark rural employment law, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), with a new bill has triggered a fierce political storm. The Opposition has launched a scathing attack, objecting strongly to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the legislation.
Tharoor's Bollywood Jibe and Philosophical Assault
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor delivered a sharp critique in Parliament on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He likened the government's action to the lyrics of a classic 1971 Bollywood song from 'Haré Rama Haré Krishna', starring Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman. Tharoor recited, "Dekho o deewano tum ye kaam na karo, Ram ka naam badnaam na karo."
Tharoor, representing Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, argued that the change is not a simple administrative update. He called it a "deeply regrettable and retrograde step" and an "assault on the very spirit and philosophical foundation" of the program. He emphasized that Gandhi's vision of 'Ram Rajya' was a socio-economic blueprint for village empowerment and Gram Swaraj.
"The original Act, by bearing his name, acknowledged this profound connection... To remove the name of Mahatma Gandhi is to strip the bill of its moral compass and historical legitimacy," Tharoor asserted. He also criticized the contrived acronym of the new bill, 'VB-G RAM G', noting it mixes languages in the title.
Priyanka Gandhi's Protest and Opposition Uproar
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is spearheading the protests against the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, strongly condemned the omission of Gandhi's name. She accused the government of effectively dismantling the rural employment guarantee law.
As Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan introduced the bill in the Lok Sabha on December 16, stating the Modi government follows Gandhi's principles and has done more for rural development, the Opposition erupted in protest. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, TR Baalu, NK Premchandran, and other leaders gathered at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex.
They raised slogans such as "Gandhi ji ka ye apmann nahi sahega Hindustan." Several Opposition members also entered the Well of the House, holding photographs of Mahatma Gandhi to voice their dissent against the name change.
The Government's Stance and Ongoing Confrontation
While introducing the bill, Minister Chouhan defended the government's record on rural development. However, the Opposition remains unconvinced, framing the issue as a matter of ideological legacy and respect for the Father of the Nation.
The controversy highlights a deep-seated political clash over symbolism, legacy, and the direction of welfare schemes. The renaming of one of India's most significant social security nets has set the stage for a prolonged parliamentary and public debate, with the Opposition vowing to keep the pressure on the government.
