'PM Modi has a deep dislike for 2 things': Rahul Gandhi amid MGNREGA row

Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday spoke over the MGNREGA row and criticised the Modi government for theri decision to replace it.

"Modi ji has a deep dislike for two things - the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and the rights of the poor. MGNREGA is the living embodiment of Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj. It has been a lifeline for millions of rural Indians and proved to be a crucial economic safety net during the COVID pandemic," Rahul said on X.

"Yet, this scheme has always unsettled PM Modi. For the past ten years, his government has systematically tried to weaken it. Today, he is determined to erase MGNREGA altogether," he further wrote.

He also explained the "three fundamental principles" of MGNREGA. "1. Right to employment - anyone who demands work must be provided employment 2. Autonomy for villages to decide their own development works 3. Full wage support by the Central Government and 75% of material costs," he wrote, adding, "Now, Modi ji wants to transform MGNREGA into a tool of centralised control."

"This new bill is a direct insult to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. After destroying the future of India’s youth through massive unemployment, the Modi Government is now targeting the secure livelihood of poor rural families. From Sadak to Sansad, we will oppose this anti-people bill," Gandhi said towards the end of his X post.

Earlier today, senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi categorically stated that no bill should be tabled and passed because of someone's obsession and prejudice."

"The bill should not be passed in haste, without taking the advice of the House and without any discussion. This bill should be taken back and the government should table a new bill... Mahatma Gandhi was not from my family, but he was still like a member of my family. This is the emotion of the entire nation. This bill should be sent to Standing Committee for further deliberations. No bill should be tabled and passed because of someone's obsession and prejudice," she said.