NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has strongly condemned the ‘Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Gramin)’ (VB-G) law passed by the central government, calling it a “destructive attack” on states and the poor, similar to demonetisation in 2016.
Speaking after a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Rahul Gandhi alleged that PM Modi had dismantled the structure of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) by taking a unilateral decision without consultation or proper study. He said MGNREGA was not merely an employment scheme but a development model that was globally acclaimed.
Rahul Gandhi said the new law amounted to interference in the jurisdiction of states, as the central government was taking away both funds and decision-making powers from them.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced that the party will launch a nationwide ‘MGNREGA Bachao’ campaign from January 5 to oppose the move. He echoed concerns that the law undermines federalism and weakens a programme that has played a key role in rural employment and development.
The Congress said it would continue to raise the issue both inside and outside Parliament.
