The Congress party announced that it will launch a nationwide protest on January 5, 2026, demanding the repeal of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G Act).
Protest Resolution
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made the announcement after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Delhi. He said the party had passed a resolution to begin the “MGNREGA Bachao Andolan” from January 5. Kharge emphasised that MGNREGA was not just a scheme but a constitutional Right to Work, and he accused the government of revoking it to oppress the poor.
Furthermore, Kharge warned that people are angry over the repeal and that the government will face consequences. He added that the new law places additional financial burdens on states and was passed without consultation.
Leaders’ Remarks
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of dismantling MGNREGA unilaterally, comparing the move to demonetisation. He said the repeal was a devastating attack on states and poor people. Gandhi stressed that MGNREGA was more than a work programme—it was a development framework recognised globally.
In addition, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and KC Venugopal attended the press conference. They reiterated that repealing MGNREGA undermines the rights-based approach and weakens India’s federal structure.
Background
Earlier this month, Parliament passed the VB-G RAM G Act on December 16. The law received Presidential assent on December 21 and came into effect immediately. The BJP government described the legislation as part of its “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision, calling it modernisation. However, opposition parties argued that it destroys rights-based welfare for rural workers.
Already, protests have taken place in Punjab and West Bengal. Congress said the nationwide movement will intensify from January.
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