Kharge Calls for Nationwide Protest Against MGNREGA Repeal at Congress Working Committee Meet

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday urged the party to launch a nationwide public movement opposing the repeal of the **Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), comparing the move to the now-withdrawn farm laws that were scrapped following sustained protests.

Addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee, Kharge criticised the Union government’s decision to replace MGNREGA with the newly proposed Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) law. He alleged that the change was made without proper study, evaluation, or consultation with states and political parties.

Kharge described MGNREGA as a “visionary” programme introduced during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, noting that it received global recognition for providing employment security to rural households. He said the repeal posed a serious threat to the livelihoods of millions of rural workers.

Drawing parallels with the three controversial farm laws, Kharge said public pressure and mass protests had earlier forced the government to roll back unpopular policies. He asserted that a similar collective effort was required now to safeguard rural employment rights.

The Congress chief also expressed concern over what he described as growing threats to democracy, the Constitution, and citizens’ rights in the country. He criticised the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, calling it a “well-planned conspiracy” aimed at curtailing democratic participation.

In his address, Kharge also raised concerns over attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, saying the developments had caused widespread concern in India. Additionally, he alleged that attacks on Christmas celebrations by organisations linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had disrupted communal harmony and hurt India’s global image.

The Congress leadership is expected to finalise plans for nationwide protests and public outreach programmes in the coming days.