Congress announces launch of ‘Save MNREGA Movement’

New Delhi: An important meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) concluded on Saturday at the new Congress headquarters, Indira Bhawan, on Kotla Road in Delhi. Following the meeting, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, addressed a joint press conference. Accusing the central government of weakening the MNREGA scheme, the Congress leadership announced the launch of a nationwide ‘Save MNREGA Movement’ from January 5, 2026.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said the party has unanimously decided to oppose any attempt to weaken MNREGA with full force. He stated that the leaders at the CWC meeting pledged to fight to save this law, from the streets to Parliament.

Kharge said, “MNREGA is not just a scheme, but a constitutional right to work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this scheme provided employment and livelihoods to millions of people. Without MNREGA, millions of lives could have been lost. This scheme is the result of the foresight of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, and its effectiveness has been acknowledged by several agencies, including the CAG in Parliament.”

Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the central government over the decision to rename MNREGA. He said, “This decision was taken directly by the PMO. There was no discussion with the concerned minister. This is an attack on the federal structure.” Rahul Gandhi alleged that the central government is snatching money and decision-making authority from the states, leading to centralization of power. He said, “MNREGA was a rights-based development model, praised worldwide. The Prime Minister single-handedly dismantled it, just like demonetization.”

He alleged that the purpose of weakening MNREGA is to benefit big industrialists by taking money away from the poor. He said, “This decision will cause huge losses to tribals, Dalits, OBCs, minorities, and the poor general public, while the entire benefit will accrue to billionaires.”

Rahul Gandhi expressed confidence that the entire opposition will unite on this issue. He said, “We will oppose it, we will fight it, and I am confident that the entire opposition will stand against this move.” At the end of the press conference, Kharge reiterated that the Congress will not tolerate any tampering with Mahatma Gandhi’s name or the original form of MNREGA and will democratically counter any conspiracy.