Congress to Hold Massive 'Save MNREGA' Rally in Bharatganj on March 22

Prayagraj : As part of its nationwide "MNREGA Bachao Sangram" (Save MNREGA Campaign), the Congress Party has announced a major state-level rally in Bharatganj scheduled for March 22, 2026. The movement aims to protest the central government’s decision to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G) Act.

During a "Sangram Chaupal" held in Sarai Abdul Malik, Phulpur, Gangapar District President Ashfaq Ahmed fiercely criticized the current administration. He alleged that the government has "bulldozed" the employment of millions of laborers across 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats. Ahmed further stated that the country is grappling with record inflation, unemployment, and a severe disruption in gas supplies, which he claimed has left poor families struggling to afford two meals a day.

District Vice President Nisha Singh joined the discourse, invoking the legacy of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. She urged workers to unite to protect the Constitution against "RSS-minded ideologies" that she claimed are undermining the principles of equality and justice.

The rally, themed "Save Farmers, Save Constitution, Save MNREGA," is the culmination of a 45-day agitation launched by the party’s top leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Key grievances highlighted by the local leaders include:

Centralization of Power: The new law allegedly reduces the authority of Gram Panchayats in deciding rural work.

Removal of Gandhi's Name: Leaders termed the renaming of the scheme as an "insult to the Father of the Nation."

Funding Shifts: Concerns were raised over the new mandate requiring state governments to bear 40% of wage costs, potentially leading to reduced work availability.

The program was presided over by Assembly in-charge Devraj Upadhyay and General Secretary Sunil Pandey, with a large number of women activists and local workers in attendance.