**Congress Working Committee to Discuss MGNREGA Replacement and Political Strategy**
The Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party’s top decision-making body, is set to convene on December 27 to discuss the government’s proposal to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with new legislation, as well as the current political landscape. This meeting marks the first gathering of the CWC following the party’s disappointing performance in the Bihar elections.
The significance of this meeting extends beyond immediate concerns, as it will also shape the party’s strategy for upcoming assembly elections in early 2026, which include key states such as Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and West Bengal. The opposition party aims to intensify its campaign against the repeal of MGNREGA, positioning it as a central issue in its fight against the government.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the proposed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, asserting that it represents more than just a rebranding of MGNREGA; he described it as a “systematic murder of the world’s largest employment scheme.” Kharge accused the government of stripping citizens of their right to work and vowed that there would be a nationwide movement in response.
The VB-G RAM G Bill, which aims to replace the UPA-era MGNREGA, was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The opposition has vehemently opposed the bill, claiming it undermines the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and weakens the provisions of MGNREGA. According to the new legislation, every rural household whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work will be guaranteed 125 days of wage employment per financial year. States will be required to develop a scheme in alignment with the new law within six months of the VB-G RAM G Act’s commencement.
As the Congress party prepares for this critical meeting, the implications of the government’s actions on rural employment and the political landscape will be closely monitored.
**FAQ**
**What is the significance of the Congress Working Committee meeting on December 27?**
The meeting is crucial as it will address the government’s proposal to replace MGNREGA, discuss the party’s strategy for upcoming elections, and respond to the political challenges following the Bihar polls.
