Sun Jan 11 09:18:31 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Congress Cadres Protest Against MGNREGA Replacement with VB-G RAM G Scheme

The Story:
On January 11, 2026, scores of Congress cadres participated in a hunger strike in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, to protest the central 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 Act (VB-G RAM G). Led by Virudhunagar MP B. Manickam Tagore and other party officials, the protestors voiced concerns over the new scheme’s lack of guaranteed employment and increased financial burden on states.

The Congress party views the VB-G RAM G scheme as a dilution of the original MGNREGA, arguing that it removes the guarantee of employment and shifts a significant portion of the funding responsibility to the states, potentially leading to the scheme’s failure. The party has planned a 45-day nationwide protest to advocate for the reinstatement of MGNREGA.

Key Points:

  • Congress cadres held a hunger strike in Virudhunagar on January 11, 2026, protesting the replacement of MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G.
  • Virudhunagar MP B. Manickam Tagore and other party leaders led the protest.
  • The protest is part of a 45-day nationwide campaign by the Congress party.
  • The Congress claims the new scheme removes guaranteed employment and increases the financial burden on states.
  • The Congress alleges the BJP aims to benefit contractors through asset creation under the new scheme.
  • Around 7 lakh Congress men are participating in the hunger strike across the nation.

Critical Analysis:
The BJP and JD(S) accuse the Congress of misleading people on VB-G RAM G scheme, welcome special session. This contextual information implies the Congress initiative might be a politically motivated reaction rather than a response to material concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Congress party is actively resisting the central government’s shift in rural employment policy.
  • The protest highlights the ongoing political battle between the Congress and the BJP over social welfare programs.
  • The Congress is attempting to mobilize public support by framing the VB-G RAM G scheme as detrimental to the rural poor.
  • The BJP and JD(S) are using the scheme to undermine the Congress and highlight its alleged misleading of the public.

Impact Analysis:
The Congress protest and the replacement of MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G could have several long-term impacts:

  • Rural Employment: The effectiveness of the new VB-G RAM G scheme in providing employment opportunities to the rural population remains to be seen. The states’ capacity and willingness to allocate the required 40% funding will be crucial.
  • Political Polarization: This issue will likely exacerbate the existing political polarization between the Congress and the BJP, particularly in rural areas.
  • Social Unrest: If the VB-G RAM G scheme fails to deliver on its promises, it could lead to social unrest and further protests, especially in states with weak economies.
  • 2029 General Election: The success or failure of the VB-G RAM G scheme could significantly influence public opinion and voting patterns in the lead-up to the 2029 general election.

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