In a dramatic turn of events, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called on millions of MGNREGA workers to emulate the united farmer protests that forced the central government to roll back the three contentious farm laws. Speaking at a massive convention in Delhi, Gandhi urged the workers to demand the withdrawal of the newly introduced Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, warning that the law threatens the guaranteed right to work and could centralise job allocation in favour of BJP‑ruled states.
Background and Context
MGNREGA, launched in 2005, has been a cornerstone of rural employment, guaranteeing 100 days of work per year to every willing household in rural India. The scheme has employed over 100 million workers and has been hailed as a social safety net. In January 2026, the government announced the Viksit Bharat Act, which seeks to replace MGNREGA with a new framework that centralises work allocation and reduces the guaranteed days of work. Critics argue that the law undermines the constitutional guarantee of a right to work and could leave millions of rural families without a livelihood.
Rahul Gandhi’s appeal comes at a time when the opposition is rallying against what it calls “black laws” that erode democratic safeguards. The Viksit Bharat Act, like the earlier farm laws, has sparked widespread protests across the country. The farmers’ movement, which began in 2020, successfully forced the government to repeal the farm laws in 2021, setting a precedent that the opposition hopes to replicate.
Key Developments
During the convention at Jawahar Bhawan, Rahul Gandhi delivered a fiery speech, stating: “Here is the only way to stop them, workers have been shown the way by farmers. If we all stand together, they will be forced to restore MGNREGA.” He accused the BJP of attempting to dismantle the “guaranteed right to work” and centralise job allocation, a move that would disproportionately benefit BJP‑ruled states.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge joined Gandhi, holding a spade and a handful of soil from a MGNREGA site, symbolically adding it to a sapling. The gesture was meant to convey unity and collective struggle. The convention drew workers and activists from 22 states, with an estimated 200,000 participants.
- Number of workers protesting: Over 200,000 across 22 states.
- Key demands: Withdrawal of Viksit Bharat Act, restoration of MGNREGA, protection of the right to work.
- Political response: BJP officials have defended the law as a modernization effort, while opposition leaders have called it a “conspiracy to erase Mahatma Gandhi’s name from public memory.”
Rahul Gandhi also highlighted the parallels between the current situation and the farm laws, stating that the new law is another “black law” that threatens constitutional guarantees. He added, “What is the name of this new law… I don’t know,” prompting the audience to chant “VB‑G RAM G.”
Impact Analysis
The potential rollback of MGNREGA could have far‑reaching consequences for rural India. According to the Ministry of Rural Development, MGNREGA employs approximately 100 million workers annually, providing a safety net for 30 % of the rural population. A reduction in guaranteed workdays could lead to increased rural unemployment, food insecurity, and migration to urban areas.
Students studying rural development, economics, and public policy will find the debate particularly relevant. The Viksit Bharat Act could reshape the policy landscape, affecting research funding, fieldwork opportunities, and the practical application of rural development theories. Moreover, the political mobilization of workers offers a living laboratory for students of political science and sociology to observe grassroots movements in action.
For the general public, the law’s centralisation of work allocation could mean that local gram sabhas lose decision‑making power, potentially leading to unequal distribution of resources. The opposition’s call for a united front mirrors the farmer protests, suggesting that a coordinated national movement could pressure the government to reconsider the law.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
Dr. Anil Kumar, a labour economist at the Indian Institute of Management, notes that “the Viksit Bharat Act’s centralised model risks creating a bureaucratic bottleneck, reducing the scheme’s responsiveness to local needs.” He recommends that workers and activists maintain a robust digital presence, using social media to document work conditions and share real‑time updates.
For students and researchers, Dr. Kumar advises: 1) Engage with local NGOs to gather primary data. 2) Attend public hearings and policy forums to understand the legislative process. 3) Collaborate with student unions to amplify voices on campus.
Rahul Gandhi’s call also underscores the importance of solidarity. “If we all stand together,” he said, “they will be forced to restore MGNREGA.” This message resonates with students who are increasingly involved in social activism, encouraging them to join the movement or support it through research and advocacy.
Looking Ahead
The opposition plans to intensify its campaign through the “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram” initiative, targeting gram sabhas and local bodies. The upcoming parliamentary budget session will be a critical platform for the Congress to raise the issue, potentially forcing the government to revisit the Viksit Bharat Act.
Should the government proceed with the law, it may face legal challenges on constitutional grounds. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that any law infringing on the right to work must be scrutinised under the Constitution’s Directive Principles. A judicial review could delay implementation, giving the opposition time to mobilise further support.
For students, the evolving situation presents a unique opportunity to study the intersection of policy, law, and grassroots activism. Universities may host seminars and workshops to discuss the implications of the Viksit Bharat Act, fostering a new generation of informed citizens.
In the coming weeks, the opposition’s strategy will likely involve coordinated protests, legal petitions, and media campaigns. The outcome will hinge on the ability of workers, farmers, and civil society to maintain a unified front, echoing the successful farmer protests of 2021.
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