The remarks come as the Congress has intensified its attack on the Centre over the newly enacted VB-G RAM G Act. Earlier on Sunday, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had deliberately removed Mahatma Gandhi's name from the rural employment
"MNREGA was introduced to ensure the right to work. The law brought by Manmohan Singh was meant to fill the stomachs of the poor. They are trying to strike at a law that helps the poor," Kharge said in Bengaluru.
The agitation is set to begin on 13 January 2026, with village-level protests across Punjab where farmers will burn copies of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025, the Seed Law 2025, and amendments related to the VB Gram Scheme. This will be followed by a second phase on 21 and 22 January,
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday expressed confidence that the party high command would take a decision on him going forward amid the ongoing leadership tussle in the state.
BJP leader K. Annamalai on Sunday hailed the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G) 2025, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking the scheme to "the next level."
The remarks came amid protests by Congress workers across Uttar Pradesh against the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and its replacement with the VB-G RAM G scheme. On Sunday, Congress workers staged a protest under the banner 'MGNREGA Bachao
Speaking to ANI, Rao said that the VBG Ramji Act is a people-friendly and pro-poor legislation aimed at benefiting rural and economically weaker sections. He said the Act guarantees rural employment with 100 per cent work assurance and that daily wages have been increased to Rs 172.
Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai, along with party workers, held a symbolic fast against the repeal of MGNREGA and the introduction of the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G).
"The Central government has taken an important decision, the VB-G RAM G act has been passed. The Congress is running a major misinformation campaign in the state and nationwide," Kumaraswamy said while addressing a press conference.