INDIA Bloc Intensifies Opposition to Nuclear and Rural Employment Bills in Parliament

The INDIA bloc has escalated its opposition to two significant Bills scheduled for consideration in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday - the SHANTI Bill proposing private participation in nuclear energy and the VB-G RAM G Bill designed to replace the established MGNREGA framework for rural employment guarantees. Alliance floor leaders plan to assemble at the chamber of Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge before the session commences to align their collective response. Critics argue that these proposals risk disrupting rural livelihoods and transferring vital national assets to private corporations.

Congress lawmakers are convened for a morning strategy session with a compulsory attendance directive issued until the parliamentary term ends on December 19. Persistent calls from opposition ranks demand referral of the VB-G RAM G Bill to a standing committee for detailed examination although government sources indicate reluctance to comply. Parallel requests for thorough review of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill 2025 have gained traction including from NDA constituent Telugu Desam Party regarding the employment-related measure.

In a statement on X Congress MP Manickam Tagore condemned the accelerated legislative timeline accusing authorities of deliberately sidestepping essential oversight mechanisms. He portrayed the dual initiatives as calculated moves to facilitate corporate dominance in nuclear power while removing Mahatma Gandhi's nomenclature from employment assurances. The coordinated opposition meeting is timed for 10:15 am in Kharge's office to strengthen unified resistance efforts.

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Tagore decried the omission of committee evaluations stakeholder engagements and sufficient debate periods comparing the approach to undemocratic governance. He labeled the erasure of Gandhi's reference as deliberate ideological interference and nuclear sector liberalization as preferential treatment for influential businesses warning of detrimental impacts on marginalized communities and parliamentary norms.

The previous day's Lok Sabha session experienced disruptions upon introduction of the VB-G RAM G Bill prompting vehement objections from opposition benches over potential erosion of employment entitlements and disrespect to Gandhi's heritage. Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan countered by reaffirming commitment to Gandhian values and highlighting expansions such as increased workdays to 125. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra highlighted risks of centralized funding controls undermining the program's core demand-driven ethos while allied parties including Trinamool Congress and DMK participated in protests culminating in a symbolic demonstration at Gandhi's parliamentary statue.

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