Congress Criticises Yogi-Modi Government for Brutal Lathi-Charge on MGNREGA Protesters in Varanasi

The Congress party has condemned the Uttar Pradesh government for ordering a brutal lathi-charge on NSUI protesters during a peaceful MGNREGA Bachao march in Varanasi. Congress leaders highlighted the incident as an infringement of democratic rights.

The Congress party has accused the Uttar Pradesh government of using excessive force against NSUI protesters in Varanasi. The protest was part of a nationwide campaign called MGNREGA Bachao Sangram. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh shared a video showing police allegedly using force against demonstrators. The protest was led by NSUI national president Varun Chaudhary and aimed to defend the MGNREGA scheme.

In a post on X, Ramesh stated that the demonstration was peaceful and within constitutional rights. However, he alleged that the Yogi-Modi government ordered a brutal lathi-charge due to fear of being questioned. The NSUI is the student wing of the Congress party. Priyanka Gandhi also criticised the BJP for its actions during the protest.

Congress Criticises Government Actions

Priyanka Gandhi condemned the use of force and arrests against NSUI students in Varanasi. She described it as a cowardly act against those protesting peacefully for employment rights. "The Narendra Modi government is snatching away the legal right to employment from millions of workers," she stated, adding that Congress stands firmly against such oppression.

The Congress launched its 45-day campaign, MGNREGA Bachao Sangram, on Saturday. This initiative opposes the repeal of the UPA-era rural employment law. The campaign began with press conferences at district headquarters, highlighting how MGNREGA was replaced by the VB-G RAM G Act during Parliament's Winter Session.

Campaign Details and Future Plans

The Congress plans to continue its agitation until February 25, demanding the withdrawal of the VB-G RAM G Act and restoration of MGNREGA as a rights-based law. The campaign includes various activities like chaupals and mass contact programmes at gram panchayats from January 12 to 29, followed by ward-level sit-ins on January 30.

State-level gheraos of Vidhan Sabhas are scheduled from February 7 to 15. Additionally, four major rallies will occur between February 16 and 25 before concluding the nationwide movement. The Congress aims for this agitation to be panchayat, block, district, and state-centric, unlike previous Delhi-centric protests.

Background on VB-G RAM G Act

The VB-G RAM G Act was passed amid protests in Rajya Sabha on December 18, 2025, after Lok Sabha cleared it. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on December 21, making it an Act that guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household annually. Congress demands its complete withdrawal and restoration of MGNREGA.

The opposition party's campaign seeks to restore MGNREGA's original form and authority of panchayats. It emphasises the right to work as a fundamental aspect of rural employment law. The Congress continues to push for these changes through its ongoing nationwide movement.

With inputs from PTI