MNREGA Returns To Centre Stage: Congress Plans Counter-Narrative At CWC

New Delhi. MNREGA is one of the schemes of the Congress, which it counts among its biggest achievements. MNREGA was implemented in 2005 during the UPA government, and since then it has been linked to income, livelihood, and employment security of rural households. Now when the Central Government is preparing to change this law, Congress has made it a big issue of political battle. The party wants the debate regarding MNREGA to not be limited only to the parliamentary corridors but to reach the streets and villages.

Why does Congress want to keep the MNREGA issue alive?

Congress says the current proposed changes could weaken MNREGA's reach, fund distribution system, and job card-based guarantee. The party claims that this scheme not only provides jobs but also supports the rural economy. On this basis, Congress is making a strategy to keep it at the center of its political agenda. This is the reason why the MNREGA issue was discussed in detail in the recently held Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting.

What is the strategy?

Congress wants to create a narrative in which the election discussion moves from institutional debates to everyday economic difficulties. The party believes that issues like unemployment, inflation, and livelihood will play an important role in politics in 2024 and beyond. In such a situation, MNREGA can become a direct and emotional link for them. The strategy aims to strengthen trust among rural, Dalit, OBC, and deprived sections, which are considered to be the major vote bank.

What is the basis of opposition unity?

Congress feels that MNREGA can unite the opposition parties on one platform. Many regional parties have also opposed cuts or changes in MNREGA. This could also become an opportunity for the party to activate the INDIA alliance and soften old differences. A common socio-economic agenda can add strength to the Congress both in the House and on the streets.

Question about prolonging the movement?

However, the biggest challenge before the Congress is whether it will be able to keep this issue alive continuously. The party no longer appears to have the cadre capacity to handle a long mass movement. The election defeats in Himachal, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh have also exposed organizational weaknesses. Although Congress had been vocal on previous issues like demonetization and GST, it had lagged behind in giving a broader shape to the movement. Due to such experiences, there is pressure on the party that this time it should not be limited to mere rhetoric.
 
What are the political benefits? 

For Congress, MNREGA is not just a government scheme but also a question of identity. Amidst the continuous attacks of the BJP, this party considers it an opportunity to prove its governance capacity and policy thinking. If Congress can successfully keep this issue alive at the grassroots level, it could become a strong tailwind for it in the coming elections. On the other hand, if this effort falters, it will be another missed opportunity.

Will the party be able to make this issue a mass movement?

MNREGA is like a central weapon for Congress on all three fronts: political, social, and emotional. It will be clear in the coming months whether the party makes this issue a mere topic of debate or is able to influence the political environment of the country by shaping it into a mass movement. At present, it is certain that MNREGA is not just a scheme in the strategy of Congress but has become the basis of future politics.