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Congress announces three-phase agitation to protect MGNREGA, opposes VB–G Act

Congress announces three-phase agitation to protect MGNREGA, opposes VB–G Act

Yellarthi Chennabasava
January 4, 2026

The Congress on Saturday announced a nationwide three-phase agitation titled “MGNREGA Bachao” in response to the Centre’s newly enacted Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Act . The party alleged that the government is attempting to centralise MGNREGA , acting arbitrarily, and undermining the rights of workers and Panchayati Raj institutions.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Congress General Secretaries KC Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh said the campaign aims to defend the right to work , protect Panchayati Raj institutions, and stand with women workers, Dalits, Adivasis, and the rural poor.

The first phase , starting on January 8 , will include preparatory meetings at Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) offices, district-level press conferences on January 10, and one-day fasts at district headquarters on January 11 near statues of Mahatma Gandhi and BR Ambedkar. The second phase (January 12–30) will see panchayat-level chaupals , delivery of a letter from the Congress president, Vidhan Sabha-level nukkad sabhas , pamphlet distribution, and peaceful ward-level sit-ins on January 30, Martyr’s Day. The third phase (January 31–February 25) will include district-level dharnas at DC/DM offices, state-level gheraos of Vidhan Sabha buildings , and four zonal AICC rallies across the country.

Congress leaders also criticised the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme, calling it a “most condemnable act” and saying it undermines Gandhi’s vision of dignity of labour, village self-rule, and moral responsibility of the State .

The party demanded the withdrawal of the VB–G RAM G Act and the restoration of the original, rights-based MGNREGA Act , urging the government to protect the people’s right to work and the authority of Panchayats.

Venugopal and Ramesh added that while this is a Congress-led programme, they will consult other opposition parties and seek their participation to build a united front against the new law.