Congress announced a vigorous three-phase nationwide "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram" starting January 8, targeting the Centre's VB-G RAM G Act that repealed MGNREGA. General Secretaries KC Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh accused the government of arbitrarily centralizing the scheme, undermining rural citizens' legal right to work, and erasing Mahatma Gandhi's name. The CWC-approved campaign vows to expose these moves through structured protests.

Phase 1 launches January 8 with PCC preparatory meetings led by general secretaries, followed by DCC press conferences on January 10 and one-day fasts on January 11 at Gandhi-Ambedkar statues. Venugopal outlined escalating actions to rally workers and highlight the "silent killing" of decentralized employment guarantees. The party invites opposition participation while leading the charge.

Phase 2 spans January 12-30, featuring panchayat chaupals, Congress president letters to villagers, Vidhan Sabha nukkad sabhas, and pamphlet drives. Culminating on Martyr's Day January 30 with ward-level peaceful sit-ins alongside MGNREGA laborers, it aims to amplify grassroots voices against fund centralization that could starve panchayats.

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Phase 3 intensifies from January 31 with district dharna at DC/DM offices until February 6, state Vidhan Sabha gheraos February 7-15, and four zonal AICC rallies February 16-25. Ramesh warned of constitutional violations under Article 258, lacking state consultations, and pledged court challenges to restore MGNREGA's decentralized ethos.

Ramesh stressed the shift from village-driven to Delhi-controlled schemes risks zero funding for many panchayats, devastating rural economies. Open to alliances, Congress positions itself as MGNREGA's fierce defender, drawing parallels to past successful agitations. The campaign underscores fears of weakened federalism and rural distress.

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