Did Congress Hold a ‘Jan Akrosh Sabha’ in Gujarat as the Budget Session Kicks Off?
Synopsis
As the Gujarat Assembly's budget session unfolds, the Congress party has launched a powerful protest rally, the ‘Jan Akrosh Sabha’, to voice concerns over the government's proposed changes to MGNREGA. With significant participation and strong statements from leaders, the rally highlights critical issues affecting the state and sets the stage for future political battles.
Key Takeaways
Congress rallies against MGNREGA replacement.
Significant participation from various societal groups.
Leaders voice concerns over unemployment and corruption.
Protests to continue throughout the budget session.
Preparations for the 2027 elections underway.
Gandhinagar, Feb 16 (NationPress) The Congress party organized a ‘Jan Akrosh Sabha’ in Gandhinagar on Monday to protest against the Centre's intention to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, coinciding with the commencement of the budget session of the Gujarat Assembly.
Hosted by the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, the rally saw participation from senior leaders, MLAs, MPs, and party activists, as well as farmers, tribal representatives, health workers who have reportedly not received their salaries for four months, families impacted by demolition drives, and members of various voluntary organizations.
During the event, AICC General Secretary Mukul Wasnik expressed concerns about the widespread hardships faced by farmers, soaring unemployment, and rampant corruption.
“Farmers are in distress, women are encountering harassment, youth are impoverished and unemployment is at an all-time high, while corruption has reached alarming levels. Yet, the governments of Bhupendra Patel and Narendra Modi remain oblivious,” he stated.
Wasnik further criticized the Centre’s economic strategies, asserting that instead of fostering self-reliance, these policies have heightened India’s dependency on the United States.
He claimed, “The U.S. has imposed an 18 percent tariff on Indian goods, while India has imposed zero tariffs on U.S. imports.”
He emphasized that protests would persist until there is a governmental shift in Gujarat.
Gujarat Congress President Amit Chavda mentioned that the party had launched statewide outreach initiatives, including yatras spanning nearly 5,000 km across Saurashtra, North, and Central Gujarat.
He alleged that the youth faced harassment over drug-related issues, liquor, and caste certificates, alongside corruption in MGNREGA through commissions.
CLP Leader Tushar Chaudhary accused officials of corruption “from panchayat to Parliament,” asserting that forest officials were intimidating tribal laborers.
Former MLA Mahesh Vasava highlighted ongoing struggles over resources such as “water, forest, and land,” while Banaskantha MP Geniben Thakor and Congress MLA Anant Patel raised alarms regarding governance and administrative inaction in tribal regions.
The Congress party indicated that protests regarding various public issues would continue throughout the budget session and hinted at early preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections, with Rahul Gandhi expected to campaign in the state.
Point of View
Emphasizing key issues that resonate with voters. Their focus on employment, corruption, and social justice reflects a concerted effort to challenge the ruling party's narrative. While it remains to be seen how effective this rally will be in the long run, it undeniably sets the tone for the upcoming electoral battle.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the ‘Jan Akrosh Sabha’?
The ‘Jan Akrosh Sabha’ was organized by the Congress party to protest against the government's proposal to replace MGNREGA with a new employment bill, highlighting issues like unemployment and corruption.
Who were the key figures present at the rally?
The rally featured senior Congress leaders, MLAs, MPs, farmers, tribal representatives, and health workers who have faced salary delays.
What claims were made regarding government policies?
AICC General Secretary Mukul Wasnik criticized the government's economic policies for increasing dependency on the U.S. and alleged corruption affecting various sectors.
What are the future plans of the Congress party in Gujarat?
The Congress party plans to continue protests on public issues during the budget session and is preparing for the 2027 Assembly elections.
How did the rally address youth issues?
Amit Chavda highlighted concerns about youth harassment related to drugs, liquor, and caste certificates, along with corruption in employment schemes.
