Agartala, February 14, 2026: Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President Asish Kumar Saha on Friday alleged that the Central Government has effectively scrapped the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and replaced it with a new programme, which he described as a “jumla” aimed at misleading rural workers.

Addressing a press conference, Saha claimed that the Union Government has done away with MGNREGA—a landmark rural employment scheme bearing the name of Mahatma Gandhi—and introduced a new initiative under the banner of VB GRAMG, proposing 125 days of mandays. He alleged that the move was designed to confuse the public and weaken the existing rural employment framework.

“The government is trying to divert attention by changing the name and structure of a scheme that has been a lifeline for rural households,” Saha alleged, asserting that the replacement would adversely impact livelihood security in villages.

In protest against what he termed the dismantling of MGNREGA, the Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee has announced a “Lok Bhavan Abhiyan” scheduled for February 17. The programme will be held as part of a nationwide campaign demanding the protection and continuation of the rural employment guarantee scheme.

Saha said similar demonstrations have already been organised in several states across the country. In Tripura, Congress leaders, party workers, and MGNREGA beneficiaries from various panchayats are expected to take part in the rally.

Appealing to party supporters and the general public, the TPCC president urged people to participate in large numbers to safeguard the interests of rural workers and ensure the continuation of MGNREGA, which, he said, remains crucial for livelihood security in rural areas.