Major Left-wing political forces in Bihar have launched coordinated demonstrations, expressing strong opposition to the central government's recently announced VB-G-RAM-G initiative for agricultural workers.
Statewide Marches Follow National Call
In response to a nationwide call from Left parties, the three primary factions – the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Communist Party of India – organized marches and rallies across Bihar. The protests were supported by their frontal organizations, including groups representing agricultural workers.
In the state capital, Patna, a significant procession began at the GPO roundabout. The march, featuring party members and supporters, proceeded through the city and concluded with a rally near the busy Patna Junction roundabout. Leaders from each of the three parties addressed the gathered crowd, articulating their unified stance against the new policy.
Alleged Assault on MGNREGA and Workers' Rights
The core of the protestors' argument centers on the belief that the VB-G-RAM-G program is not a genuine improvement but a tool to effectively rescind the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). They described MGNREGA, which was introduced by the Congress-led UPA government in February 2005, as the country's largest national program guaranteeing work on demand at a fixed wage rate.
In a statement, the CPI(ML) claimed that MGNREGA has already been rendered inert in several states due to the policies of the Narendra Modi-led central government. "Now an attempt has been made by the central govt to completely do away with MGNREGA, which, in itself, is a direct attack on the rights of agricultural workers to work," the party asserted. The protesters maintained that MGNREGA has proven to be a critical mechanism for supporting the livelihoods of millions of job-card holders nationwide.
Political Repercussions and Broader Opposition
The controversy is gaining wider political traction. The VB-G-RAM-G programme was introduced during the recently concluded winter session of Parliament. Adding weight to the criticism, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi released a video statement condemning the Centre's decision. She stated that her party has taken strong exception to the move and is planning to chalk out its own course of action on the issue.
The protests in Bihar highlight a growing political clash over rural employment policy. The Left parties are positioning the new scheme as a dilution of a hard-won right to work, setting the stage for further political and public debate on the future of social security for India's agricultural workforce.
