Wed Dec 24 14:07:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Madurai, India – December 24, 2025 – Members of the Secular Progressive Alliance, led by CPI (M) State secretary P. Shanmugam, staged a protest in Madurai on Wednesday against the Union government’s decision to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB – G RAM G).

Shanmugam criticized Prime Minister Modi’s government for dismantling MGNREGA, alleging it stemmed from the RSS’s animosity towards Mahatma Gandhi. He expressed concerns that Gandhi’s image might even be removed from currency notes.

Protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of the new legislation, arguing that it shifted 40% of the financial burden to state governments already struggling financially. Shanmugam questioned the promise of 125 days of work under the new scheme, given the Centre’s previous underfunding of the 100-day MGNREGA. He also criticized the lack of consultation with Members of Parliament and state governments during the enactment of the new laws.

Shanmugam further criticized AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami for supporting the Modi government’s actions. Members from various political parties, including DMK, CPI(M), CPI, VCK, Congress, and MDMK, participated in the protest.

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