Panchkula (Haryana) [India], January 18 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday criticised Congress amid a row over the VB-G RAM G Act replacing MGNREGA, stating that the opposition party leaders "made arrangements" for themselves in the garb of rural development schemes.
While the Congress has launched the 'MGNREGA Bachao' agitation against removing Mahatma Gandhi's name from the nation's flagship rural employment scheme, Nayab Saini hit back and said that the Congress has changed the name of the scheme several times in the past.
Addressing a state-level VB-G RAM G conference in Panchkula, the Chief Minister said, "Congress leaders had made arrangements for their own livelihood in the name of rural development schemes, and they changed the names of these schemes from time to time. In 1960, there was a programme called Gramin Jan Shakti. In 1972, it was changed to the Gramin Rojgar Scheme. In 1980, it was changed to the Gramin Rojgar Guarantee Yojana."
The BJP has launched state-wide campaigns to spread awareness in favour of the Viksit Bharat- Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025.
However, Congress has opposed the newly enacted VB-G RAM G Act, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Earlier this month, the party announced a nationwide three-phase agitation titled 'MGNREGA Bachao'. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will also visit his parliamentary constituency, Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh, on January 20 to address a public meeting against the scrapping of MGNREGA.
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said the Congress Working Committee had approved a structured campaign titled 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram'.
As per the party, Phase 2 of the campaign will run January 30. "Panchayat-level chaupals will be organised across all gram panchayats, and a letter from the Congress president will be delivered," Venugopal said.
He added that Vidhan Sabha-level nukkad sabhas and pamphlet distribution are also planned. "On January 30, Martyrs' Day, the party will hold peaceful sit-ins at the ward level with MGNREGA workers," he said.
"Phase 3 will begin on January 31 with district-level MGNREGA Bachao dharnas at DC and DM offices till February 6," Venugopal said.
"This will be followed by state-level gheraos of Vidhan Sabha buildings from February 7 to February 15 and four zonal AICC rallies across the country between February 16 and February 25," he added.
The VB-G RAM G Act was passed in the Winter Session of the Parliament in 2025, and replaces the 100-day employment guarantee with a 125-day guarantee. However, the Opposition has criticised the legislation for removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and a 60:40 share of funds between the Centre and states.