Congress to Intensify Panchayat-Level Outreach Under ‘Save MGNREGA Movement’; Ward-Level Sit-ins Planned

New Delhi: The Congress Party has decided to ramp up its grassroots outreach at the panchayat level as part of its ongoing campaign, ‘Save MGNREGA Movement’, aimed at protecting the integrity of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Party leaders are demanding that the law be restored to its original form.

The campaign, launched on 10 January, is a 45-day nationwide initiative protesting the alleged dilution of MGNREGA by the ruling alliance government. The opposition party has called for the repeal of the amendments and full reinstatement of the act in its original form.

Panchayat-Level Outreach and Ward-Level Protests

Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said that the party conducted an online review meeting and collectively resolved to strengthen public engagement at the panchayat level, directly involving citizens, MGNREGA workers, and other stakeholders. Venugopal announced via a post on social media platform X that peaceful sit-ins will be organized at the ward level, followed by assembly and local government building demonstrations, and regional rallies to mobilize public support.

Rally in Raebareli

To further strengthen the movement, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will participate in a ‘MGNREGA Chaupal’ in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, on 20 January. The event aims to reaffirm the party’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of rural workers.

The review meeting saw participation from state Congress presidents, in-charge general secretaries, and members of the MGNREGA Coordination Committee, highlighting the party’s focus on a coordinated, nationwide strategy to defend the rural employment guarantee scheme.