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Kharge Calls for Stir: Congress to Battle MGNREGA "Discontinuation" Amid Poll Prep

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has called for a nationwide agitation against the government's move to discontinue the MGNREGA scheme. He directed party workers to begin early preparations for several crucial state elections scheduled for 2026. During the CWC meeting, Kharge also raised strong concerns about electoral roll revisions and alleged misuse of investigative agencies. The high-level meeting was attended by top leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.

Key Points: Kharge Announces Congress Agitation Against MGNREGA Discontinuation

  • Kharge announces a nationwide 'MGNREGA Action Plan' to oppose the rural job scheme's discontinuation
  • He directs party to start preparing for Assembly elections in states like Kerala and Bengal in 2026
  • Kharge alleges collusion between BJP and ECI, urging checks on voter list deletions
  • The Congress President condemns attacks in Bangladesh and misuse of central agencies against opposition
3 min read

CWC meet: Kharge calls for stir against 'discontinuation of MGNREGA'

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announces nationwide 'MGNREGA Action Plan' agitation and directs early prep for 2026 state elections during CWC meeting.

"This should be strongly opposed in every corner of the country. - Mallikarjun Kharge"

New Delhi, Dec 27

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday sought suggestions from partymen on a proposed agitation against the "discontinuation of MGNREGA" and directed early preparations for Assembly elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bengal, and other states in April-May 2026.

Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC) at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi, Kharge said a nationwide movement, 'MGNREGA Action Plan', is needed to oppose the government decision to "discontinue" the rural job scheme.

"This should be strongly opposed in every corner of the country. Because earlier, in January 2015, when the Modi government amended the land acquisition law to suit corporate interests, Congress members took to the streets, forcing the government to retreat," he said.

He also expressed concern over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and repeated the allegation of "collusion" between the BJP and the Election Commission.

"Rahulji has, on several occasions, presented evidence of 'vote chori' before the nation. The collusion between the BJP and the ECI is not hidden from the public. Therefore, we have to ensure that our voters' names are not deleted from the electoral rolls," he said.

The CWC meeting was attended by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and several senior leaders.

Kharge also called upon party workers and Booth Level Agents to go from door-to-door and start preparing the voter lists for states going to the polls in 2027.

The Congress National President also attacked the government for misusing probe agencies to target Opposition leaders.

"Over the past 11 years, the country has witnessed how institutions like the ED, IT, and CBI are being misused. The BJP and the Sangh Parivar are engaged in tarnishing the image of our leaders over the National Herald issue. We are fighting a legal battle. Rahulji always says, 'Satyameva Jayate', and we will win," he said in a message on X.

Condemning the attacks on Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh, Kharge also drew attention to the alleged attempts by workers and organisations linked to the BJP and RSS to disturb communal harmony on Christmas that have globally tarnished the country's image.

Others who attended the CWC meeting included Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, senior Congress leader Harish Rawat, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, former MP Salman Khurshid, MPs Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Rajeev Shukla are among the prominent leaders present at the deliberations.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was also seen attending the meeting, despite his recent remarks that reportedly did not align well with the party's official stance.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I support social safety nets, there have been legitimate concerns about corruption and inefficiency in MGNREGA's implementation for years. Perhaps a reform and modernization of the scheme, rather than a simple discontinuation or blind defense, is what's needed. The focus should be on helping people, not political point-scoring.
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Priyanka N
The concern about voter list revision is very real. In my village last election, several elderly people found their names missing. Whether it's "collusion" or just incompetence, parties must ensure every eligible citizen can vote. Door-to-door verification is the only way. 👍
A
Aman W
It's the same old script before every election cycle. Raise alarms about schemes ending, cry about institutions, talk of "save democracy". People are tired of this negativity. Show us your positive vision for 2026 and 2027, not just agitations.
K
Kavya N
The mention of attacks during Christmas is important. As an Indian, it pains me when such incidents are used to tarnish our country's image globally. All parties have a responsibility to maintain communal harmony, not just give speeches about it.
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Vikram M
Planning for elections in 2026 now? Good. Congress needs strong ground-level work in South and East. But they must move beyond just opposing and present clear alternatives. What is *their* action plan for rural employment if they think MGNREGA is being scrapped?

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