Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has issued a strong warning of agitation against the central government, amplifying the party's stance on the contentious repeal of the rural jobs guarantee scheme. In a video message released on Saturday, she accused the Narendra Modi-led administration of bulldozing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and promulgating a "black law."
Congress Leaders Unite Against MGNREGA Repeal
The statement from the former Congress president comes just a day after Rahul Gandhi declared that the party would force the government to withdraw the new legislation. Sonia Gandhi's video message serves as a direct criticism of the government's recent actions, framing them as an assault on the rural poor. She asserted that lakhs of Congress workers across the nation are prepared to defy this law.
A Fight Two Decades in the Making
Drawing from her own political history, Sonia Gandhi reminded the public of her role in the original fight for the employment guarantee scheme. "Twenty years ago, I too fought to secure the right to employment for our poor brothers and sisters," she stated. Emphasising her unwavering commitment, she added, "today, I remain as committed to fighting against this black law." This personal connection underscores the deep ideological battle lines being drawn over the welfare legislation.
Accusations of Ignoring Rural India
In her critique, Sonia Gandhi levelled serious allegations against the BJP government. She claimed that the administration has attacked the interests of crores of farmers, labourers, and landless citizens nationwide. She further accused the Centre of ignoring the needs of the rural poor for the last 11 years, a period that coincides with the Modi government's tenure. The repeal of MGNREGA, in her view, is the latest and most severe blow to this vulnerable section of society.
The Congress party is now positioning itself as the primary defender of the rural employment guarantee, setting the stage for a significant political confrontation. With senior leaders making forceful public statements, the issue is poised to become a central rallying point for the opposition in the coming days.
