Shimla, January 30:
All India Congress Committee (AICC) Working Committee member and Himachal Pradesh in-charge MP Rajni Patil on Thursday urged party district presidents and coordinators appointed for the “Save MGNREGA” campaign to intensify the movement and mobilize workers likely to be affected by the proposed new “GRMJ” Act.
Addressing a meeting at the Pradesh Congress headquarters, Rajiv Bhawan, Patil said the campaign is aimed at protecting the rights of unemployed youth and Gram Panchayats, which she alleged are being undermined under the new framework. She emphasized that all party leaders and office-bearers have been directed to actively participate in strengthening the campaign and expand its outreach across the state. Patil also announced that she would soon tour various districts to review progress and directed party workers to strictly follow guidelines issued by the AICC and the Pradesh Congress Committee regarding the campaign.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, while addressing the gathering, claimed that alterations to MGNREGA would cause significant financial losses to Himachal Pradesh, estimating an annual impact of ₹800–900 crore. He accused the BJP of attempting to dilute Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology along with the scheme associated with his name, asserting that such efforts would not succeed. “Gandhi’s message of non-violence resonates globally,” he said.
Agnihotri stressed that the Save MGNREGA campaign must be transformed into a mass movement, urging party members to fulfill their assigned responsibilities with dedication.
He also praised Pradesh Congress President Vinay Kumar for energizing party workers across districts and actively participating in the campaign.
State Congress President Vinay Kumar, in his address, called for taking the campaign to “every home, every village, and every पंचायत.” He underscored the importance of discipline within the organization and urged party leaders and campaign coordinators to actively educate people about the alleged shortcomings of the new GRMJ Act.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh also appealed to party workers to expand the campaign as a people’s movement and raise awareness about the perceived flaws in the proposed legislation.
The meeting was attended by Chief Minister’s Political Advisor Sunil Bittu, AICC Secretary and Co-incharge for State Affairs Chetan Chauhan, Vidit Chaudhary, MLAs Anuradha Rana and Hardeep Singh Bawa, District Congress Committee presidents, and district and block coordinators of the campaign, who shared updates on its progress in their respective areas.
