“Save MGNREGA, Save the Nation”: Congress Holds Massive Protest in Jaipur

Jaipur: Under the banner of “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram” (Save MGNREGA Movement), the Congress party staged a powerful protest in Jaipur on Wednesday, targeting both the central and state governments. Led by Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully, Congress legislators marched from the MLA housing complex to the State Assembly, carrying banners and posters that read, “Save MGNREGA, Save the Nation” and “Restore MGNREGA, Return the Right to Work”.

Congress Slams BJP for Delaying Panchayati Raj Elections

During a Panchayati Raj empowerment conference, Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee President Govind Singh Dotasra criticized the BJP government for delaying elections to local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions. “The term of Panchayati Raj representatives in Rajasthan has expired for over six years, yet the government has failed to hold elections. This is a blatant violation of the Constitution,” Dotasra alleged.

He further pointed out the contradiction between BJP leaders’ repeated references to the Constitution and the state government’s inaction, claiming that the latter is deliberately undermining democratic processes.

Accusations of Neglecting Rural Development

Tika Ram Jully accused the central government of gradually dismantling the MGNREGA scheme, causing severe harm to rural populations. “This program was vital for strengthening village infrastructure and boosting the rural economy,” Jully said. “Work under MGNREGA is not a favor—it is the right of the workers.”

The state Congress chief added that for the past two years, Panchayati Raj institutions have not received development funds, effectively halting rural progress across Rajasthan. He stressed that the Panchayati Raj system had empowered marginalized communities, including the poor, backward classes, Dalits, youth, and minorities—an empowerment now threatened by the BJP government’s policies.

Marching for Rights

The protest saw Congress legislators take to the streets in a symbolic demonstration of solidarity with rural workers. The conference was also addressed by former state president Dr. C.P. Joshi and Sunil, National President of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Organization, amplifying the call for immediate government action to protect MGNREGA and rural development initiatives.