Mysuru, 2 Feb

Congress workers staged an overnight protest here at the town hall premises from Sunday night, opposing the Union government’s decision to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the newly introduced VB G RAM G scheme.

The protest, led by the district unit, was part of a nationwide campaign called by the All India Congress Committee demanding the restoration of MGNREGA.

Addressing the gathering, leaders accused the Centre of undermining the rights of the rural poor, depriving them of guaranteed employment and weakening the Panchayat Raj system by shifting job allocation powers away from gram panchayats.

Protesters raised slogans alleging the new scheme diluted employment guarantees and removed Mahatma Gandhi’s name, calling it an insult to the Father of the Nation.

Recalling the UPA government’s implementation of MGNREGA, Congress leaders said the law ensured 100 days of guaranteed employment for registered agricultural labourers and played a crucial role in rural development and poverty alleviation.

District Minister HC Mahadevappa and KPCC Vice-President VS Ugrappa demanded immediate restoration of MGNREGA.

Ugrappa criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to fulfil promises such as depositing Rs 15 lakh in citizens’ accounts and delivering “acche din”. The protest continued peacefully through the night.