The demonstration was led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, along with the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and saw participation from several opposition Members of Parliament. The lawmakers marched within the Parliament premises, voicing strong objections to policy changes they say undermine both the spirit and substance of the rural employment programme.
Addressing the protest, Congress leaders accused the Narendra Modi-led government of systematically weakening MGNREGA through administrative and policy measures. They argued that removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme was not merely symbolic but reflected a broader effort to erode a law designed to guarantee employment and protect the rights of the rural poor.
Protesters maintained that MGNREGA has long served as a critical safety net for millions of vulnerable households and that any move to dilute its provisions would have serious consequences for employment security and rural livelihoods. The Congress leadership asserted that such changes amount to an attack on the rights of workers and the economically marginalised.
The party emphasised that it would continue to oppose any steps that, in its view, weaken the employment guarantee framework or diminish its original intent. Leaders stressed that raising objections inside and outside Parliament was essential to defend welfare legislation that has had a significant impact on poverty alleviation and rural development.
The protest highlights the growing political confrontation over the future of MGNREGA, a programme that remains central to debates on social welfare and economic justice. As opposition parties signal sustained resistance, the issue is likely to remain a flashpoint in Parliament, reflecting deeper disagreements over governance priorities and the direction of public welfare policy.
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