TDP Voices Concern Over New Rural Employment Bill, BJP Faces Strain Within NDA

New Delhi: A key ally of the BJP in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has raised objections to the government's new rural employment law. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has asked the Centre to reconsider parts of the bill that replaces MGNREGA, saying the financial burden on states needs serious thought.

What’s the issue with the new VB-G RAM G Bill?

The Central government this week introduced the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, aimed at replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha by a voice vote amid protests from opposition MPs.

Opposition members have slammed the move, particularly because it removes Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the existing scheme, which has guaranteed rural employment for millions for nearly two decades. Many critics say the change weakens legal rights and shifts cost burdens to states.

Why did TDP step in with objections?

Even within the BJP-led alliance, not all partners are on board. The TDP has publicly questioned parts of the new bill, especially the financial terms that ask states to share a larger portion of the programme's cost.

TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu acknowledged that some reforms were long discussed. However, he stressed that Andhra Pradesh and other states face budget pressures. He urged the Centre to rethink the provision requiring states to cover 40 percent of the funding instead of the Centre bearing full costs.

A party spokesperson said TDP generally supports modernising the rural job scheme but wants more clarity on costs and federal burden.

What did the government say?

Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the bill in Parliament. He dismissed criticism about dropping Gandhi’s name, saying Gandhi remains “in our hearts” and pointing to other national schemes inspired by leaders like Deendayal Upadhyaya.

Chouhan highlighted planned increases in guaranteed workdays, from 100 under MGNREGA to 125 under the new law, and said the law will bring broader rural development.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Ministry of I & B (@mib_india)

How big is the backlash?

Outside the NDA, opposition parties, including the Congress and others, have intensified protests. Leaders argue the bill dilutes employment rights and undermines local governance structures that decided work under the old scheme. Some have called for returning the bill to a parliamentary committee for deeper review.

For now, the controversy has drawn lines not just between government and opposition but also within the ruling alliance, underscoring regional concerns over funding and federal balance as the bill moves ahead in Parliament.