Congress press conference in protest against the renaming of the MGNREGA scheme; announcement of a four-hour symbolic fast...

The Congress has strongly objected to the renaming of the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee) scheme, which was launched during the tenure of the Congress-led government at the Centre to ensure employment and financial security for rural people. Congress leaders alleged that by changing the name of the scheme, its core philosophy and the rights associated with it are being undermined.

In this context, a press conference was organised today at the Kailashahar District Congress Bhavan. Present at the conference were Leader of the Congress Legislature Party and local MLA Birajit Sinha, District Congress President Mohammad Badrul Zaman, senior Congress leaders Rudrendu Bhattacharjee, Runu Mia, and other party leaders.

The speakers stated that MGNREGA is not merely a scheme but a right of rural people. They alleged that changing the name of the project for political reasons is an attempt to dilute its importance and impact. According to the Congress, this move is obstructing the rightful benefits and opportunities of rural working people.

As part of a central programme, the District Congress will join a four-hour symbolic hunger strike from tomorrow, in line with similar protests across the country, the state, and in Unakoti district as well. The protest programme will be held at the Kailashahar District Congress Bhavan premises from 12 noon. The main demands of the Congress are the immediate withdrawal of the decision to rename the MGNREGA scheme and the assurance of all benefits to rural people under the scheme.

During the press conference, the MLA also spoke about the incident at Fatikroy. He said that since the Bharatiya Janata Party government came to power, attacks have taken place at various times on innocent minorities and their religious institutions. He further stated that he has spoken over the phone with the Director General of Police regarding the matter and has demanded a proper investigation and strict punishment for those responsible.