← POLITICS 12/27/2025

The newly enacted ‘VB-G RAM G Act,’ a consolidation of rural development schemes, has ignited a political firestorm. Congress leaders are vehemently condemning the legislation, characterizing it as a ‘well-planned conspiracy’ aimed at removing the Gandhi family’s association with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Rahul Gandhi, speaking after a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, drew parallels between the Act and the controversial 2016 demonetisation, suggesting a similarly damaging unilateral decision-making process. He accused the Prime Minister of launching a ‘devastating attack on states.’

Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Indian National Congress, has called for a nationwide ‘Save MGNREGA’ campaign, framing the changes as an ‘attack on the right to work.’ The party alleges the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) bypassed established procedures in enacting the VB-G RAM G Act.

The core of the controversy lies in the renaming and restructuring of rural development programs. Critics fear the changes signal a weakening of MGNREGA, a flagship scheme providing guaranteed employment to rural households. Concerns are mounting that the consolidation could lead to reduced funding and diminished effectiveness of the program, impacting millions of vulnerable citizens. The Congress party has announced nationwide protests to oppose the Act and defend MGNREGA.