Wed Feb 04 18:49:40 UTC 2026: # Congress to Launch Padayatra in Tamil Nadu, Highlighting MGNREGA Concerns

The Story

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC), led by President K. Selvaperunthagai, is set to commence a padayatra (foot march) on Thursday, February 6, 2026, near Madras Christian College. The primary objective of this march is to raise awareness among the people of Tamil Nadu regarding the alleged destruction of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) by the ruling BJP government at the Centre.

Mr. Selvaperunthagai stated that the padayatra will cover one district per day until the announcement of the Assembly elections. Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will inaugurate the event, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expected to participate in the closing ceremony. The Congress party aims to pressure the central government to continue funding the MGNREGA scheme at its previous levels.

Key Points

  • TNCC President K. Selvaperunthagai to lead padayatra.
  • The padayatra begins near Madras Christian College on February 6, 2026.
  • The primary focus is to highlight the alleged damage to MGNREGA by the BJP.
  • The march will cover one district per day until Assembly election notifications.
  • Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will inaugurate.
  • Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will participate in the closing ceremony.

Key Takeaways

  • The Congress party is actively mobilizing at the grassroots level in Tamil Nadu ahead of upcoming elections.
  • MGNREGA remains a key issue for the Congress, used to criticize the BJP government’s policies.
  • The padayatra demonstrates a coordinated effort involving leaders from different states (Telangana and potentially national-level participation from Rahul Gandhi).
  • The timing of the padayatra, just before election notifications, suggests a strategic effort to influence voters.

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