Rahul Gandhi on Thursday strongly criticised the Modi government for replacing MGNREGA with the VB-GRAM-G Act. He compared the move to the controversial farm laws that triggered nationwide protests and were later withdrawn.
Addressing the National MGNREGA Workers’ Convention organised by the Rachnatmak Congress, the Congress leader urged workers and economically weaker sections to unite. He warned that the new law threatens their rights and livelihoods.
Gandhi said the government created MGNREGA to guarantee employment as a legal right for the poor through the Panchayati Raj system. He accused the BJP of trying to dismantle this rights-based framework and weaken rural empowerment.
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Centre risking another farm laws–like mistake with MGNREGA repeal: Rahul Gandhi
Referring to the farmers’ agitation, Gandhi said public unity had forced the government to repeal the farm laws. He claimed the Centre was now making a similar attempt to undermine workers through the new legislation.
He also accused the government of centralising power under the VB-GRAM-G Act. Gandhi alleged that BJP-ruled states would receive preferential funding and warned that contractors and officials could divert benefits meant for workers. Meanwhile, the Congress has launched a 45-day nationwide campaign, MGNREGA Bachao Sangram, demanding the withdrawal of the new law, restoration of MGNREGA as a rights-based scheme, and the return of powers to local panchayats.
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