Protests Erupt in Tamil Nadu Over Renaming of MGNREGA Scheme

In Tamil Nadu's Ariyalur district, Congress members launched a protest on Thursday against the renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), denouncing the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name. Armed with tools associated with the employment initiative, they converged on the Ariyalur District Collectorate to express their discontent with the Centre's decision.

The protest was spearheaded by the Ariyalur District Congress Committee under district president Mariyammal's leadership. During the demonstration, Congress leaders emphasized that the rural employment scheme was originally introduced during Congress's tenure, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. They argued that erasing his name from a central scheme was unacceptable. After assembling at the Collectorate, protestors continued their demonstration near the Anna statue, urging the Union government to reinstate Gandhi's name and preserve the scheme's original identity.

Among the protestors were Congress State Vice-President Rajendran, district and block-level leaders, party workers, women members, and cadres. Earlier this year, Congress organized a 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' protest in the national capital, featuring senior leaders such as Pawan Khera and Jairam Ramesh. The passing of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act by Parliament has sparked widespread criticism.

As these demonstrations gain momentum, Congress leaders like Pawan Khera have underscored the government's disregard for workers and farmers, predicting its political impact. Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav accused authorities of attempting to suppress peaceful protests, warning the Modi administration of the resilience of their cause. Meanwhile, in Kerala, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal accused the Centre of infringing on citizens' rights, noting a systematic erosion of safeguards like right to information. Venugopal called out these moves as attempts to undermine fundamental rights, signaling an ongoing struggle for the preservation of citizen entitlements.