Congress Protests Repeal of Key Employment Act
The Congress party intensified its opposition to the Union government’s recent repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) during a protest held on January 30, 2026, in New Delhi. Organizers of the ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ rally asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attempting to undermine a law associated with Mahatma Gandhi that guarantees legal rights to work for citizens.
Led by senior Congress leaders, party workers marched from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) office towards Gandhi Smriti to voice their grievances. However, the demonstrators were stopped by the Delhi Police before they could reach their intended destination.
Background of MGNREGA
Introduced in 2005, MGNREGA was heralded as a revolutionary step towards providing a legal guarantee of at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household. The program aimed to enhance livelihoods and empower local governance through panchayati raj institutions.
As explained by Congress communication chief Jairam Ramesh during the rally, MGNREGA has provided essential financial support to millions of families over the years. He called the act a “constitutional right” that significantly changed the landscape of rural employment in India.
Allegations Against the Government
During the protest, Ramesh articulated that the repeal of MGNREGA is indicative of Prime Minister Modi’s desire to erase all connections with Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy. He stated, “Narendra Modi does not want this law, connected with Mahatma Gandhi ji, to continue for long. He does not want people to get their rights.” Ramesh emphasized that MGNREGA was not just an employment guarantee, but a transformative piece of legislation that bolstered rural economies.
Ramesh further criticized the government’s Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, which seeks to replace MGNREGA with a new employment scheme that Congress argues dilutes the rights-based framework established by the original legislation. “This is a bulldozer action against the rights of the poor,” he remarked.
Response from Congress Leaders
The sentiments echoed by Ramesh were supported by other Congress leaders, including Pawan Khera, the party’s media head. Khera argued that the current government is failing to protect the interests of farmers, laborers, and the youth. He stated, “A government that insults the country’s farmers, labourers, and youth cannot remain in power for long. Narendra Modi should understand that his government will have to pay the price for this.” This strong language reflects the party’s mobilization efforts and attempts to connect with wider public sentiments ahead of upcoming elections.
Devender Yadav, the president of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee, labeled the repeal as a continuous attack on the poor, further reinforcing the party’s narrative that the current administration is systematically dismantling social safety nets.
The Impact of MGNREGA
The original MGNREGA was notable for its focus on ensuring financial security for rural families. With provisions allowing for direct benefit transfers (DBT), the act aimed to improve transparency and efficiency in benefiting grassroots populations. Ramesh emphasized that MGNREGA played a pivotal role in transferring funds directly to families, thus reducing corruption prevalent in previous employment measures.
Despite these successes, the Modi government argues that MGNREGA has outlived its utility and points to the need for evolving employment schemes that are better aligned with the current economic landscape. However, the opposition strongly contests this viewpoint, stating that the legal guarantee provided by MGNREGA remains essential.
Government’s New Employment Initiative
Overview of the Viksit Bharat Scheme
The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) aims to provide employment while also modernizing rural economic activities. The government claims that this new initiative will boost infrastructure and encourage diversification in rural employment beyond traditional agriculture and manual labor.
According to officials, the new scheme will introduce job training programs and focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities, appealing to various segments of the rural workforce. They argue that it is a progressive step designed to align with contemporary employment needs.
Criticism of the New Initiative
Critics argue that the government’s approach presents a one-size-fits-all solution that may not cater to the unique needs of different rural areas. Ramesh and other Congress leaders have maintained that weakening MGNREGA in favor of the new program compromises the rights guaranteed to rural workers.
Experts recommend that while adaptation is essential, it shouldn’t come at the cost of dismantling previously established rights. Many activists from various segments of society have echoed similar sentiments, warning that the Modi government’s shift could lead to uncertainty for vulnerable populations.
Political Reactions
The protest organized by Congress has gained traction as other political parties and civil society organizations have joined in solidarity against the repeal of MGNREGA. The discourse surrounding employment rights has ignited broader discussions about social welfare and the role of government in ensuring livelihoods.
In the backdrop of approaching elections, the Congress party appears to be leveraging this situation to bolster its base among rural voters who heavily benefited from MGNREGA. Surveys and recent electoral feedback suggest that rural employment remains a key driver in voter decisions.
Next Steps and Future Implications
The Delhi Police’s intervention in halting the march raises questions about the freedom of assembly and expression in the current political climate. The Congress party indicated that it would continue to hold protests and rally support for the cause as the fight to reinstate MGNREGA takes center stage.
Moving forward, Congress leadership has stressed the importance of mobilizing public sentiment through grassroots campaigning. This focus on securing a legal right to employment could control narratives around poverty alleviation and social justice as value propositions ahead of the elections.
Final Thoughts
As the debate over employment rights and social safety nets intensifies, the implications of the government’s actions on MGNREGA will continue to spark significant political contention. The Congress party’s strategic protests and public demonstrations will likely resonate with many who feel connected to the historical and socio-economic impacts of the legislation.
This ongoing situation underscores the importance of monitoring the government’s policy developments and public reactions as India approaches a crucial electoral cycle.