In a dramatic escalation of tensions, opposition parties staged a 12-hour overnight protest inside the Parliament complex on Thursday, vehemently opposing the passage of a new law that overhauls India's flagship rural jobs program. The protest erupted hours after the contentious Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, or VB-G RAM G Bill, was cleared by Parliament, replacing the long-standing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Heated Debate and Walkouts Mark Bill's Passage
The Rajya Sabha passed the legislation post-midnight on Thursday via a voice vote, following its approval by the Lok Sabha earlier in the day. The proceedings were marked by noisy scenes, walkouts, and strong protests from opposition members who demanded the bill's withdrawal and referral to a parliamentary committee for scrutiny.
Opposition MPs accused the government of "bulldozing" the legislation through without adequate debate, arguing that it dismantles a critical social safety net that supports crores of poor households. The uproar saw members raising slogans, tearing copies of the bill, and eventually walking out of the Upper House, actions that prompted repeated warnings from the Chair.
Opposition Leaders Decry "Murder of Democracy"
Leading the charge, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha deputy leader Sagarika Ghose announced the overnight dharna, condemning the government's approach. "This is an insult to India's poor, it is an insult to Mahatma Gandhi, it is an insult to Rabindranath Tagore," she stated. Ghose highlighted that the bill was shared with just five hours' notice, preventing a proper parliamentary debate. "Our demand was such an important bill should be sent to the Select Committee... but no, in a display of tyranny, in a murder of democracy," she added.
Congress leaders echoed these sentiments. General secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala described it as a "sad day for the country's labour force," alleging the government had attacked the livelihoods of 12 crore people. Congress leader Mukul Wasnik warned that the new scheme would place an extreme burden on states and predicted its collapse, contrasting it with the 14-month consultative process that led to the original MGNREGA.
DMK leader Tiruchi Siva accused the government of erasing Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, pointing to the removal of his name from the scheme and questioning the placement of his statue within Parliament premises.
Government Defends Law as Necessary Reform
Defending the legislation, Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan argued the new law was essential to address shortcomings in the old MGNREGA framework and to boost rural development. "This Bill is very necessary as it will help provide employment opportunities, help development of rural India and take the country forward," he said in the Rajya Sabha.
Chouhan countered opposition claims by accusing the Congress of misusing Mahatma Gandhi’s name for political gain and disrupting proceedings. "Making their points, making allegations and running away is like murdering the dreams and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi," he remarked. He also cited funding data, claiming that while the previous UPA government released Rs 2.13 lakh crore for MGNREGA, the current NDA administration has released nearly Rs 8.53 lakh crore.
Despite the government's defence, the opposition remains steadfast. They maintain that passing the bill without detailed scrutiny sets a dangerous precedent and have vowed to take their protest against the VB-G RAM G Bill to the streets across the country.
