Why Are Congress MPs Protesting in the Parliament Complex?
Synopsis
Tensions rise in New Delhi as Congress MPs protest the replacement of the MGNREGA with a new employment bill. Join us to explore the implications of this significant legislative shift and the reactions from key political figures.
Key Takeaways
Congress MPs protested against the VB-G RAM G Bill, claiming it undermines MGNREGA.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra participated in the demonstration highlighting the issue of rural employment.
The Trinamool Congress also held protests against the Bill's passage.
The Bill promises 125 days of wage employment annually.
Union Minister Chouhan defended the Bill citing Gandhian principles.
New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Congress party demonstrated on Friday within the Parliament complex to protest against the transition from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (VB-G RAM G Bill).
Among the demonstrators was Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who joined the protest. Previously, the party had requested that the Bill be referred to a select committee or a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
The leaders participating in the protest described the Bill as not only a disrespect to the Father of the Nation by the Modi government but also an effort to undermine the Right to Work, which has significantly transformed the socio-economic landscape in numerous villages.
Earlier, Trinamool Congress MPs executed a 12-hour sit-in outside the Parliament, opposing the procedure through which the Bill was passed in both Houses.
The demonstration commenced around 1 a.m. at the old Parliament building's main entrance. Trinamool Congress leaders accused the government of hurrying the Bill through without sufficient discussion, breaching parliamentary standards and threatening democratic integrity.
On December 18, the Lok Sabha approved the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM-G Bill) through a voice vote. This legislation replaces the MGNREGA with an enhanced guarantee of 125 days of wage employment annually for rural households, despite opposition's calls for more thorough examination. The House was then adjourned to December 19.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, defending the Bill amidst interruptions, sharply contrasted the government's strategy with that of the Opposition.
"The Congress party endeavored to extinguish Bapu's ideals, while Narendra Modi ji strives to preserve them," he proclaimed.
Referencing Mahatma Gandhi's vision, Chouhan emphasized that the Modi government's flagship initiatives are manifestations of Gandhian principles.
"Bapu lives on today through the homes constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Ujjwala Yojana that has cleared smoke from ten crore kitchens, the Ayushman Bharat ensuring healthcare for 36 crore individuals, and the 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs offering affordable medications," he stated during the session.
He further acknowledged Gandhi's influence in the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Skill India, Atal Mission, and PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
"Bapu exists not merely in images and posters but also in our hearts. Bapu's ideals are encapsulated in this scheme," Chouhan affirmed, alluding to the Bill's 60:40 funding ratio between the Centre and the states aimed at constructing a new India.
He concluded his passionate address with a poem by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, emphasizing unity and national progress.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the significance of the MGNREGA and the proposed changes. While political protests are a staple of democracy, the implications of such legislative shifts on rural employment and livelihood must be thoroughly examined. Balancing development with the principles of social justice remains paramount.
NationPress
4 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MGNREGA?
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is an Indian labor law that aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household.
What is the VB-G RAM G Bill?
The Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (VB-G RAM G Bill) aims to replace MGNREGA and offers an enhanced guarantee of 125 days of wage employment annually for rural households.
Why are Congress MPs protesting?
Congress MPs are protesting against the replacement of MGNREGA, viewing it as a disrespect to Mahatma Gandhi and a threat to the Right to Work for millions of rural citizens.
What was the government's defense of the bill?
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the bill by stating that it reflects Gandhian principles and aims to empower rural communities through better employment guarantees.
What impact could this bill have?
The bill could significantly alter the landscape of rural employment, potentially impacting the livelihoods of millions who depend on the existing MGNREGA framework.
