The Indian National Congress (INC) has announced a major nationwide agitation to protect the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The party will launch the 'MGNREGA Bachao' Andolan starting January 5.
Congress Announces Agitation Schedule
According to reports from PTI, the principal opposition party has finalised its plan to initiate the movement in the new year. The decision underscores the party's intent to make the flagship rural jobs scheme a central political issue. The launch date is strategically chosen to set the tone for the political calendar.
Kharge's Pledge Against VB-G RAM G Act
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has been vocal in his criticism of the government's policies concerning MGNREGA. He has explicitly stated that the party will fight against what it terms the VB-G RAM G Act. While the full form and precise implications of this act were not detailed in the initial report, Kharge's statement signals a direct confrontation with the ruling dispensation over legislative changes perceived as detrimental to the employment guarantee scheme.
Political Implications and Next Steps
The announcement of the 'MGNREGA Bachao' Andolan marks a significant escalation in the Congress party's strategy to mobilise public opinion on issues of rural distress and employment. The movement is expected to involve protests, rallies, and public outreach across various states, aiming to highlight alleged attempts to dilute the scheme. This development is a key part of the opposition's agenda as it seeks to challenge the government on its home turf of welfare politics.
The coming weeks will reveal the specific demands and the scale of the planned agitation. As this is a developing story, further details regarding the structure of the andolan and the specific provisions of the VB-G RAM G Act are awaited. The move sets the stage for a heated political debate as India enters 2025.
