Rahul Gandhi Ties MGNREGA Repeal to 'Maharaja' Era Return
Rahul Gandhi accuses Modi govt of destroying MGNREGA to centralize power and revert to maharaja era.
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticized the Modi Government for its proposed repeal of MGNREGA, claiming the move aims to centralize power, reduce workers’ rights, and push India back to an era of concentrated authority akin to the “maharajas.” Gandhi shared a video of MGNREGA workers expressing concern that the government is “enslaving workers” by undermining the decades-old livelihood guarantee scheme.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi said the government’s intention was to strip workers of their right to negotiate wages, limit panchayat powers, and curtail state authority, thereby concentrating decision-making in Delhi. He emphasized that MGNREGA had previously provided minimum wages, guaranteed work, and dignity to millions of rural labourers, transforming their lives over decades.
The shared video showed MGNREGA workers explaining how the law had provided them with livelihood security, only to now fear the government’s new Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G RAM G Act would undermine these benefits. Workers in the video reportedly told Gandhi that the current government is “enslaving workers” by replacing the well-established MGNREGA provisions.
Also Read: Opposition Demands MGNREGA Debate Before Budget Session
The Congress has demanded that the government withdraw the new VB-G RAM G Act and fully restore the UPA-era MGNREGA. On January 10, the party launched the “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram”, a 45-day nationwide campaign opposing the proposed repeal and mobilizing public support for rural employment rights.
Gandhi’s remarks highlighted concerns about the centralization of power and the potential erosion of panchayat authority, which has historically been central to local governance and rural employment management under MGNREGA. He warned that such moves could reverse years of social and economic progress in rural India.
The issue is expected to dominate debates in Parliament ahead of the Budget session, as Congress continues to rally support for rural workers and seeks to pressure the government to reconsider its plan. Observers note that the controversy underscores broader tensions between central policymaking and state-level governance in implementing employment and welfare schemes.
Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Urges Unity to Protect MGNREGA from Govt Overhaul
