The Indian National Congress has announced a nationwide protest campaign called ‘MGNREGA Bachao’ Andolan, starting January 5. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge said the movement will oppose the newly passed VB-G RAM G Act, which replaces the 20-year-old MGNREGA scheme.
Kharge warned that the Congress will fight the issue both on the streets and in Parliament. “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is not just a scheme but the Right to Work given by the Constitution.
VIDEO | Delhi: During a press conference after CWC meeting, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) says, “In CWC meeting, we have taken a resolution to start MGNREGA Bachao Andolan from 5th January 2026.”#mgnrega #Congress
(Full video available on PTI Videos… pic.twitter.com/XNjqFkI4b2
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 27, 2025
People are angry over the repeal of MGNREGA, and the government will have to face the consequences,” he said. “This law has been brought to crush the poor; we will fight against it on the streets and in Parliament,” Kharge added.
Opposition Draws Parallels With Farmers Protest
The Congress leader recalled its support for farmers during the 2020-21 protests against the three farm laws. Kharge highlighted the hardships faced by protesting farmers, noting the government had used force to suppress them.
“In June 2020, amidst the lockdown, Modi ji brought in an Ordinance and imposed the three black farm laws. Despite opposition from the Opposition in Parliament, the laws were passed. Over 700 farmers who were protesting against it attained martyrdom,” he said.
Kharge pointed out that the Prime Minister eventually had to repeal the laws, reinforcing Congress’s commitment to public welfare.
Rahul Gandhi Condemns VB-G RAM G Act
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the new legislation, claiming it was a unilateral move by PM Narendra Modi. “PM single-handedly destroyed MGNREGA without asking his Cabinet, without studying the matter,” Gandhi said.
He emphasised that MGNREGA was more than an employment programme. “It was a development framework widely appreciated across the world. The repeal of MGNREGA is an attack on the rights-based approach and the federal structure,” he added.
Gandhi also expressed confidence that the entire Opposition would unite to oppose the law.
What is the VB-G RAM G Act?
The VB-G RAM G Act, passed in Parliament on December 18 and signed into law on December 21, replaces MGNREGA. The law guarantees 125 days of wage employment to rural workers.
Key provisions include:
- Funding ratio: 60:40 between Centre and States; 90:10 for North Eastern, Himalayan states, and Union Territories.
- Seasonal employment: Section 6 allows states to designate up to 60 days during peak agricultural seasons.
Critics argue that the act reduces financial security and undermines the rights-based framework of MGNREGA, while supporters claim it introduces flexibility in rural employment management.
Why This Matters?
MGNREGA has been a cornerstone of rural employment for over two decades. Its repeal and replacement with VB-G RAM G has triggered political backlash and public concern, particularly among low-income and agrarian communities.
The Congress ‘MGNREGA Bachao’ Andolan signals that rural employment and social welfare will remain a heated political battlefield in the coming months.
