Agartala, February 17, 2026: Tripura Pradesh Congress President Asish Kumar Saha on Tuesday alleged that the BJP-led government has gradually weakened the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and taken steps to cancel it in the interest of corporates, pushing rural populations into uncertainty.

The allegations were made following a Lok Bhavan Abhiyan organised by the Tripura Pradesh Congress, demanding the reinstatement of MGNREGA.

The protest march began from Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala and proceeded towards the Governor’s residence. The Congress claimed that people across the state have been voicing opposition to what it termed as the “weakening” of the rural employment scheme and are demanding its immediate restoration. A large number of party leaders, workers and supporters participated in the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Saha said the movement aims to safeguard the rights and welfare of economically weaker sections. He stated that the protest campaign has been underway in the state since January 10, with significant participation from marginalized communities.

Describing MGNREGA as the backbone of rural socio-economic development, Saha said the scheme was introduced during the Congress-led government at the Centre to guarantee 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households. He claimed that apart from securing livelihoods for poor and working-class families, the scheme also strengthened the Panchayati Raj system.

The Pradesh Congress chief alleged that the BJP government has “gradually weakened” the scheme and has now “practically abolished” it. He further claimed that the move was aimed at serving corporate interests, leading to uncertainty among rural workers.

Saha also criticised the Centre’s proposed Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, alleging that it seeks to centralise control over panchayats, including decisions related to their functioning and wage structures. He termed it a direct attack on democracy and fundamental rights.

Referring to the recent visit of Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Saha claimed that despite campaigning in favour of the VB-G RAM G scheme, the people of Tripura have rejected it.

He asserted that the day’s procession reflected public support for continuing MGNREGA and strengthening rural development initiatives through it. The Congress leader reiterated his demand for the immediate reinstatement of the scheme.