Kharge calls for nation-wide campaign against MGNREGA repeal

New Delhi: A nation-wide campaign is needed against the repeal of the rural employment scheme MGNREGA, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Saturday, pointing to the three farm laws that the Central Government is eventually forced to repeal following strong opposition against it. Addressing the Congress Working Committee meeting here, Kharge also said that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a ‘well-planned conspiracy’ to limit democratic rights.

The Congress president said a nationwide movement is required against the repeal. The government’s move should be protested against across the country, he said, citing the example of the 2015 amendments to India’s land acquisition law that were effectively rolled back. “It is our collective responsibility to make concrete plans on MGNREGA, launch a nationwide public campaign,” he said. On the SIR, he said it is a serious issue, and a well-planned conspiracy to limit people’s democratic rights. Kharge also condemned the attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, and said the entire nation is concerned over it. He added that the attacks on Christmas celebrations by “organisations linked to the BJP and RSS” have disturbed communal harmony, and tainted India’s image globally.