Rahul Gandhi Slams PM Modi Over MGNREGA Repeal, Calls Move a ‘Devastating Attack on the Poor’

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a strong attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the repeal of the rural employment scheme MGNREGA amounted to a “devastating attack” on the poor and on states. Addressing a press conference after a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Gandhi said the Prime Minister acted unilaterally, without consulting the Cabinet or adequately examining the consequences. He compared the decision to demonetisation, claiming it undermined federalism and ignored the rights-based foundation of the UPA-era programme.

Gandhi asserted that MGNREGA was not just a work scheme but an internationally recognised rights-based development model, and accused the government of dismantling it without due deliberation. He said the Congress would strongly oppose the move and work toward building a united Opposition front. “We are going to resist it and fight it. I am confident that the entire Opposition will be aligned against this action,” he said, warning that the decision would deepen economic distress among vulnerable rural communities.

Following the CWC meeting, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced a nationwide ‘MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan’ beginning January 5 to mobilise public resistance against the repeal. Kharge cautioned that public anger over the decision was rising and said the government would have to face the political consequences. Parliament recently passed the VB-G RAM G Bill during the Winter Session, replacing the nearly two-decade-old MGNREGA, with the government stating that the new law provides 125 days of wage employment for rural workers.

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