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Lok Sabha Chaos: Shivraj Chouhan Invokes Gandhi Amid Opposition Uproar

The Lok Sabha saw heated exchanges over the new rural employment bill. Congress members demanded it be sent to a parliamentary committee for review, but the Speaker refused. Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the legislation by invoking Mahatma Gandhi's ideals during his reply. The government is pushing to pass the bill before the Winter Session ends.

Key Points: Shivraj Chouhan Defends VB-G RAM-G Bill in LS Amid Congress Protest

  • Congress vociferously demanded the Bill be sent to a Standing Committee or JPC for detailed scrutiny
  • Speaker Om Birla rejected the demand, citing an overnight debate with 98 MPs
  • The Opposition fears the Bill weakens MGNREGA guarantees and removes Gandhi's name
  • Chouhan accused Congress of hypocrisy after they spoke at length but protested his reply
  • The Bill aims to guarantee 125 days of wage employment annually in rural areas
2 min read

'We live up to ideals of Gandhi ji': Shivraj Singh Chouhan in LS amid Oppn uproar over G Ram G Bill

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan invoked Gandhi's ideals while replying to the VB-G RAM-G Bill in Lok Sabha, facing fierce opposition demands for JPC scrutiny.

"We live for the ideals of Gandhi ji. This Bill is based on the concept of Bapu ji and is in accordance with our Panch Prana. - Shivraj Singh Chouhan"

New Delhi, Dec 18

The Lok Sabha erupted in chaos on Thursday as Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan rose to deliver the government's reply on the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM-G Bill), which seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new framework guaranteeing 125 days of wage employment annually.

Congress members vociferously demanded that the Bill be referred to a Standing Committee or Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further scrutiny, escalating tensions in the House.

K.C. Venugopal urged Speaker Om Birla to refer the VB-G RAM-G Bill to a Standing Committee or Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed scrutiny.

Speaker Om Birla rejected the demands, pointing out that the discussion had already extended till 1.30 a.m. the previous night, with as many as 98 MPs participating in the marathon debate.

As Chouhan began his response, invoking Mahatma Gandhi's ideals, he emphasised, "We live for the ideals of Gandhi ji. This Bill is based on the concept of Bapu ji and is in accordance with our Panch Prana."

He added that the legislation prioritises social and economic empowerment, stating, "Samajik aur arthik ko sthan diya hai, hum Gandhi ji ke adarshon par chalne wale hain. Gaon Bharat ki atma hai agar gaon mar jayenge to Bharat mar jayega (villages are the soul of India, if villages perish, India perishes)."

Chouhan accused the Congress of hypocrisy, noting that opposition members had ample opportunity to voice their views late into the night but were now unwilling to hear the government's side.

"It is my right to make them hear the government reply," he asserted amid interruptions.

The Opposition's protests stemmed from concerns that the new Bill weakens the demand-driven guarantees of MGNREGA, shifts financial burdens to states, and removes Mahatma Gandhi's name from the flagship rural employment scheme -- a move criticised as an "insult" to the Father of the Nation.

Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others, had earlier staged protests holding Gandhi's portraits.

Supporters argue the Bill modernises rural livelihoods, aligns with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, and enhances convergence with schemes for water security and infrastructure.

With the Winter Session nearing its end on December 19, the government pushes to pass the Bill to provide better employment guarantees to the people.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Removing Gandhi ji's name from the scheme is deeply disrespectful. MGNREGA was a lifeline for crores of rural families. This new bill seems to dilute the demand-driven guarantee and shift burden to states. Why not send it to a committee for proper scrutiny? The rush is suspicious.
A
Aman W
The chaos in Parliament is shameful. Both sides need to behave. If 98 MPs debated it till 1:30 AM, then the Speaker is right to allow the reply. Let's hear what the government has to say. Constant disruption helps no one, especially the poor who this bill is meant for.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, the symbolism is striking. Invoking Gandhi's ideals while removing his name from the law seems contradictory. The core issue should be whether it genuinely improves lives in Indian villages. The financial devolution to states needs clear explanation.
V
Vikram M
Chouhan ji is correct - "Gaon Bharat ki atma hai". The focus must be on empowering villages, not just on a name. If the new framework delivers better employment and asset creation, I support it. Let's look at the outcomes, not just get stuck in political naam-jaat.
K
Kavya N
My family in UP relies on NREGA work. The promise is 125 days, but will the application process be as simple? Will the wages come on time? These are our real worries. Please don't make it more complicated for us. 🙏

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