‘This is a moral fight’: Kharge announces nationwide protests amid National Herald relief and MGNREGA row

New Delhi: Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the court’s ruling in the National Herald case, calling it a vindication of the party’s stand and accusing the Enforcement Directorate of acting with political motives.

Kharge said the case was filed with the sole objective of harassing the Gandhi family and termed the outcome proof that “truth always triumphs”.

Kharge renewed his demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging misuse of central agencies for political vendetta. He claimed the National Herald case was part of a broader pattern of targeting Opposition leaders through investigative bodies.

The Congress chief’s remarks came amid heightened political tension over the Centre’s proposed Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, also known as the VB-G RAM-G Bill, which seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Bill was introduced by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and triggered strong protests from Opposition MPs in Parliament.

In a post on X, the Congress accused the BJP and RSS of orchestrating a “larger conspiracy” to dismantle rights-based welfare frameworks and replace them with centrally controlled charity models. The party alleged that the proposed changes undermine workers’ rights, federal responsibility and Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy.

Citing the “gravity of the attack”, the Congress directed all Pradesh Congress Committees to hold protests on December 17 at district headquarters across the country. The demonstrations are being organised with portraits of Mahatma Gandhi, which the party says symbolise resistance against the erasure of his name and values from key welfare legislation.

The Congress said the protests would focus on explaining how the proposed law could affect crores of beneficiaries who depend on MGNREGA for guaranteed employment and income security. According to the party, replacing a statutory right to work with a mission-mode scheme could weaken accountability and social protection for rural workers.

The party also announced a second phase of mobilisation on December 28, marking the foundation day of the Indian National Congress. On that day, programmes will be held in mandals and villages nationwide to reiterate the party’s commitment to the dignity of labour, social justice and the constitutional right to work.

Calling the issue both political and moral, the Congress said it would continue to oppose the proposed legislation and defend MGNREGA, Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and the rights of the poorest sections of society.
(With PTI inputs)