The Jharkhand unit of the Indian National Congress has declared a major statewide protest against the central government's decision to replace the long-standing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The agitation is scheduled to commence on January 5 and will continue until the upcoming elections.
Congress Announces Agitation Plan on Foundation Day
The protest plan was unveiled by K Raju, the Congress in-charge for the state, during the party's 140th foundation day celebrations in Ranchi on Sunday. Raju strongly criticized the Centre for introducing the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgaar and Ajivika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025 as a replacement for MGNREGA.
He asserted that the change was made without seeking the consent or holding consultations with state governments. "The MGNREGA was replaced without the consent and consultation of the states," Raju stated. He argued that the move has stripped away the respect, rights, self-confidence, and income security of millions of workers who depended on the scheme for the past two decades.
Furthermore, Raju claimed that the replacement act has also deprived villagers of their right to choose village development schemes. The Congress party plans to reach out to MGNREGA workers in every village across Jharkhand to inform them about the government's decision and explain the rights they held under the previous scheme.
Foundation Day Celebrations and Flag Hoisting
The announcement coincided with grand celebrations marking the Congress party's 140th foundation day across Jharkhand. A series of events were held at the state headquarters in Ranchi and at district offices throughout the state.
At the state headquarters, State Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh hoisted the party flag in the presence of K Raju. Senior leaders were felicitated for their contributions in strengthening the party's presence in Jharkhand.
The celebrations had a significant reach, with the party flag being hoisted at an impressive scale. Deepika Pandey Singh, the Minister of the Department of Rural Development, reported that over 100,000 party flags were hoisted across the state. This included flag-hoisting ceremonies at 4,500 village panchayats and at the homes of countless party workers.
Celebrating State Cabinet Approval
Adding to the festive mood, party workers also celebrated the state cabinet's recent approval of the draft Jharkhand Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (Rules), 2025. This celebration was marked with traditional elements like drum beats, folk dances, and songs, reflecting the local cultural ethos.
All office bearers of the party participated by hoisting the flag at their respective locations. The culmination of the day's events saw leaders, including Deepika Pandey Singh, joining other party workers for celebrations at the grand old party's main office in Ranchi.
With the foundation day festivities concluded, the Jharkhand Congress is now pivoting its focus towards the planned agitation. The party has committed to organizing a massive rally in Jharkhand specifically against the changes to the employment guarantee act, setting the stage for a significant political confrontation in the state.
