The Indian National Congress has announced nationwide protests against the Central government’s decision to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The party accuses the BJP and RSS of attempting to “dismantle rights-based welfare” and replace it with charity controlled from the Centre. Congress has directed its state units to organise demonstrations at all district headquarters, urging participants to carry portraits of Mahatma Gandhi as a symbol of resistance against the “erasure of his name and values.”
In a post on X, the party stated, “This combined attack on Gandhiji’s legacy, workers rights and federal responsibility exposes a larger BJP-RSS conspiracy to dismantle rights-based welfare and replace it with charity controlled from the Centre.” The protests are scheduled for December 17, 2025, with further programmes planned on December 28, the Congress Foundation Day.
The new bill, Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Lok Sabha to replace MGNREGA. It guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household, up from 100 days, aiming to provide income security and create rural assets. Opposition MPs held demonstrations outside Parliament, holding Gandhi’s photographs and accusing the Centre of undermining the rural employment scheme.
(With inputs from agencies)