### Congress Launches Nationwide 'Save MGNREGA' Campaign Amidst Controversy The Indian National Congress is gearing up for a significant nationwide campaign titled 'Save MGNREGA,' set to commence on January 5, 2026. This initiative is a direct response to the government's recent decision to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a key legislation that has provided rural employment and financial security to millions since its inception. Congress leaders, including President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, have drawn parallels between this repeal and the controversial farm laws that were rolled back following widespread protests. They argue that the government's actions threaten the federal structure of India and undermine democratic rights, positioning the campaign as a crucial fight for the rights of rural workers and the preservation of essential employment guarantees [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cong-plans-nationwide-save-mgnrega-stir-101766860042775.html, https://www.rediff.com/news/report/cong-announces-farm-laws-style-stir-against-mgnrega-repeal/20251227.htm]. ### Structure of the Campaign and Key Messages 1. **Campaign Launch**: The 'Save MGNREGA' campaign will officially begin on January 5, 2026, as announced during a Congress Working Committee meeting [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3742935-congress-leads-mgnrega-bachao-abhiyan-against-new-employment-law]. 2. **Comparative Strategy**: Congress plans to employ strategies similar to those used during the successful protests against the farm laws, aiming to mobilize public sentiment against the repeal of MGNREGA [https://www.timesnownews.com/india/mgnrega-row-mallikarjun-kharge-raises-pitch-for-national-movement-at-cwc-meet-article-153356419]. 3. **Leadership Statements**: Mallikarjun Kharge has emphasized that the repeal of MGNREGA is a "well-planned conspiracy" to limit democratic rights, while Rahul Gandhi has accused the government of undermining rural economies [https://www.india.com/news/india/mgnrega-repealed-without-evaluation-mallikarjun-kharge-calls-for-nationwide-campaign-claims-sir-is-well-planned-conspiracy-to-limit-rights-congress-mahatma-gandhi-rahul-gandhi-vb-g-ram-g-8246968]. 4. **Public Mobilization**: The campaign aims to galvanize public support and anger against the government's decision, with Congress leaders warning that the Modi government will face significant backlash from the populace [https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/mallikarjun-kharge-calls-for-nationwide-campaign-against-mgnrega-repeal-13744864.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Context - **Historical Context**: MGNREGA was enacted in 2005 to provide at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The act has been pivotal in reducing rural poverty and enhancing livelihoods [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3743086-congress-stands-firm-in-defense-of-mgnrega]. - **Public Sentiment**: The Congress party's strategy is rooted in the public's previous successful opposition to the farm laws, which were repealed after sustained protests. This historical precedent serves as a foundation for their current campaign [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3742840-kharge-urges-national-protest-against-mgnrega-repeal]. - **Political Implications**: The repeal of MGNREGA is seen as a significant political move that could affect the rural electorate's support for the ruling government, making the Congress campaign not just a fight for employment but also a strategic political maneuver ahead of upcoming elections [https://www.rediff.com/news/report/cong-announces-farm-laws-style-stir-against-mgnrega-repeal/20251227.htm]. ### Conclusion: A Call to Action In summary, the Congress party's 'Save MGNREGA' campaign represents a critical juncture in Indian politics, focusing on the preservation of rural employment rights and the defense of democratic values. The campaign is structured to mobilize public support through historical comparisons and strong leadership messaging. 1. **Campaign Launch**: Set for January 5, 2026. 2. **Strategy**: Similar to successful farm laws protests. 3. **Leadership**: Strong statements from Kharge and Gandhi. 4. **Public Mobilization**: Aimed at galvanizing widespread public support. **The outcome of this campaign could significantly influence the political landscape in India, particularly in rural constituencies where MGNREGA has had a profound impact on livelihoods** [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cong-plans-nationwide-save-mgnrega-stir-101766860042775.html, https://www.rediff.com/news/report/cong-announces-farm-laws-style-stir-against-mgnrega-repeal/20251227.htm].