Do Not Divide Gandhi’s Legacy, Shashi Tharoor Warns Amid MGNREGA Row
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says the MGNREGA renaming controversy misrepresents Gandhi’s philosophy and creates unnecessary divisions.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday described the controversy surrounding the proposed renaming and overhaul of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as "unfortunate", arguing that the framing of the issue has unnecessarily pitted concepts like Gram Swaraj against Ram Rajya. In a post on X, Tharoor emphasised that these ideals were never in conflict but rather formed the "twin pillars" of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, symbolising harmony rather than division. He cautioned against creating artificial rifts, noting Gandhi's lifelong embodiment of this symbiosis, even in his final moments invoking "Ram".
The row erupted after the Centre introduced the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB—G RAM G Bill, 2025, which aims to repeal MGNREGA and establish a new framework aligned with the government's Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. The proposed scheme guarantees 125 days of unskilled manual work per rural household annually but introduces changes such as increased state funding responsibilities and the creation of central and state councils for oversight. Opposition parties, including Congress, have criticised the move as an attempt to dilute Gandhi's legacy and centralise control over rural employment programmes.
Tharoor's comments stand out amid the Opposition's unified attack, highlighting his nuanced perspective that challenges the narrative of outright rejection. He argued that projecting the changes as a dismissal of Gandhi ignores the profound integration of these ideals in the leader's thought, urging a more balanced discourse. This intervention comes as Tharoor navigates questions about his alignment with Congress leadership, having missed several key party meetings recently.
Also Read: Shashi Tharoor Absent From Rahul Gandhi-Led Lok Sabha Meeting, Raises Party Speculation
Last Thursday, Tharoor was absent from a Congress Lok Sabha MPs' meeting chaired by Rahul Gandhi, citing prior commitments. Instead, he attended an event in Kolkata organised by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, where he discussed women's rights and performed on stage. Party sources confirmed he had informed them in advance, but his repeated absences—from a Congress Working Committee meeting on November 30 and another on voter rolls—have raised eyebrows.
These developments occur against a backdrop of Tharoor's participation in high-profile events, including a lecture by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a state banquet for Russian President Vladimir Putin, where senior Opposition figures were not invited. Despite this, Tharoor remains a vocal critic on various issues, balancing his independent streak with party loyalty.
The MGNREGA overhaul debate underscores broader tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition over welfare schemes, with critics viewing the renaming as symbolic politics. As Parliament's winter session continues, the bill's fate will likely fuel further discussions on federalism, rural development, and historical legacies in India's policy landscape.
