MGNREGA Protests: A Unifying Force for Punjab’s Divided Congress

As the 2027 Assembly elections approach, political parties in Punjab are leveraging the MGNREGA scheme and its new iteration, G RAM G, to enhance their electoral prospects. The controversy surrounding the recent revamping of MGNREGA has surprisingly served as a unifying element for the divided Congress party, offering an opportunity to consolidate various factions under a common cause.

MGNREGA Rallies: A Strategic Move for Congress

The Congress party has initiated a series of ‘Save MGNREGA’ rallies, running from January 8 to January 12. These events are strategically located in rural and semi-rural areas including:

• Tanda
• Balachaur
• Samrala
• Rajpura
• Bhucho Mandi
• Bagha Purana
• Guru Harsahai
• Tarn Taran

In charge of the Punjab Congress, Bhupesh Baghel, along with co-incharge Ravinder Dalvi, has directed senior leaders to participate in all ten rallies, with two scheduled daily.

Internal Dynamics and Leadership Perception

Notably, Jalandhar Cantt MLA Pargat Singh has committed to attending almost all rallies, indicating an effort to bridge gaps within the party leadership. This is significant given the historical tensions between him and other leaders, especially after recent controversial statements by party president Warring.

Insiders suggest that this strategic inclusion of leaders like Pargat in the rallies may reflect an effort to assess their potential roles ahead of pivotal changes as the elections draw closer. With the MGNREGA scheme being a personal initiative of Rahul Gandhi, leaders who effectively engage the public on this topic risk gaining favor with the central leadership.

Notable Absences and Political Calculations

One notable absence from the rallies is Charanjit Channi, the former Chief Minister and current Jalandhar MP, who is attending a parliamentary panel meeting in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. His absence raises questions about the unity of the Congress in Punjab.

Political observers have noted that Bhupesh Baghel’s social media posts about the rallies deliberately omit images of Punjab leaders, including the PCC chief. This move appears to aim at mitigating displays of power among leaders and maintaining an egalitarian environment within the party.

Overall, as the Congress embarks on these rallies, they signify not just a campaign for MGNREGA but also a crucial moment for the party to redefine its internal dynamics and strengthen its electoral strategy ahead of 2027.