New Delhi, January 22 :MGNREGA, the flagship rural employment guarantee law named after Mahatma Gandhi, has become the centre of a sharp political confrontation, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accusing the Union government of attempting to erase Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy by dismantling the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. He said the Congress would raise the issue forcefully in Parliament during the upcoming Budget Session.
POONCH MIRROR NEWS DESK JANUARY 22,2026
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accuses the Centre of undermining Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy by scrapping MGNREGA, vows to raise the issue forcefully in Parliament during the Budget Session.
New Delhi, January 22 :Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said the government’s move to scrap MGNREGA was an attempt to erase Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy.
He added that the Congress would raise the issue in Parliament.
He asserted that the Congress would raise the issue forcefully during the forthcoming Budget Session of Parliament.
Rural Employment Scheme Under Threat, Says Congress Chief
Addressing the National MGNREGA Workers’ Convention organised by the Rachnatmak Congress, Kharge accused the Centre of pursuing a political agenda under the guise of policy reform.
He urged citizens, workers, and grassroots organisations to unite and resist the implementation of any new law that undermines the spirit of MGNREGA.
“Scrapping MGNREGA is not merely an administrative decision. It is a conspiracy to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the collective consciousness of the people,”
Kharge said, adding that the Act symbolises Gandhi’s vision of rural self-reliance and dignity of labour.
Issue to Be Raised in Parliament During Budget Session
Kharge made it clear that the Congress would not remain silent on what it considers a direct assault on constitutional welfare guarantees.
“We will fight resolutely on this issue in Parliament during the Budget Session,” he said, accusing the central government of systematically dismantling rights-based legislation introduced during the UPA era.
Parliament of India – Budget Session Updates
He further criticised the government for weakening employment guarantees at a time when rural distress and unemployment continue to rise across the country.
Rahul Gandhi Joins Workers’ Convention۔
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was also present at the convention. MGNREGA workers from different parts of the country attended the event, bringing soil from their respective worksites.
In a symbolic gesture, the soil was placed into saplings in the presence of Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, signifying the deep-rooted connection between rural labour, land, and livelihoods protected under MGNREGA.
Nationwide ‘Save MGNREGA’ Campaign Launched
It is pertinent to note that the Congress launched a 45-day nationwide campaign titled ‘Save MGNREGA Struggle’ on January 10, opposing the repeal of the landmark employment guarantee law enacted during the UPA government.
MGNREGA explained: Key provisions and impact on rural employment
The party has strongly opposed the proposed Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act, demanding its withdrawal.
Congress leaders insist that MGNREGA must be restored in its original form as a rights-based law, ensuring the right to work, timely wages, and strengthened powers for Panchayati Raj institutions.
Demand for Restoration of Rights-Based Welfare Framework
According to Congress leaders, replacing MGNREGA with a diluted scheme would strip rural workers of legal safeguards and reduce employment from a statutory right to a discretionary benefit.
“The fight is not just about a scheme, but about preserving the constitutional promise of dignity, livelihood, and decentralised governance,” party leaders said.
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