Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit his parliamentary constituency Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh on January 20, where he will hold a public meeting with MGNREGA workers in Umran Rohania.
Congress has launched ‘Save MNREGA’ campaign to protest against the Grow India-Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025.
Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee President Ajay Rai said that a massive program has been planned to protest against the new law. Congress will organize 30 Mahapanchayats in Uttar Pradesh. Ajay Rai said that Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge may also participate in some of these Mahapanchayats.
According to Ajay Rai, Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee will organize public meetings in villages and organize the first mahapanchayat in Sitapur on January 24.
The VB-G Ram Ji Act was passed in the winter session of Parliament in 2025, and it replaces the 100-day employment guarantee with a 125-day guarantee. However, the opposition has criticized the law due to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name and the 60:40 sharing of funds between the Center and states.
During his visit to Rae Bareli, Rahul Gandhi will inaugurate the Premier League T20 cricket tournament organized by the Youth Sports Academy Rae Bareli at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in IIT Colony and also inaugurate the works of MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme).
Earlier this month, the party announced a nationwide three-phase movement titled ‘Save MGNREGA’. “Phase 1 will begin with a one-day preparatory meeting at the state Congress Committee offices on January 8,” Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said.
According to the party, the second phase of the campaign, which began on January 12, will continue till January 30. Venugopal said, “Panchayat level chaupals will be organized in all gram panchayats and the letter from the Congress President will also be delivered.” He further said that there are also plans to hold street meetings and distribution of pamphlets at the assembly level. “On the occasion of Martyr’s Day on January 30, the party will hold a peaceful protest at the ward level along with MGNREGA workers,” he said.
He further said, “The third phase will start from January 31 with district level MGNREGS Bachao Dharna, which will continue in front of DC and DM offices till February 6. This will be followed by state level gherao of assembly buildings from February 7 to 15 and four regional AICC rallies across the country between February 16 and 25.”