Parliament Session: Opposition Gears Up for Aggressive Protest as Government Pushes to Pass ‘Viksit Bharat Ji Ram Ji’ Bill in Lok Sabha

A high-voltage political showdown is expected in Parliament today as the government moves to pass the newly introduced Rural Employment Guarantee Bill, renamed as the “Viksit Bharat Ji Ram Ji” Bill, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The renaming has triggered sharp opposition, with Congress and INDIA alliance leaders accusing the government of deliberately disrespecting Mahatma Gandhi. Ahead of the House proceedings, a crucial meeting of INDIA alliance MPs is scheduled to finalise strategy. The Congress has issued a whip to all its MPs, making attendance mandatory. Opposition leaders have demanded that the bill be withdrawn and sent to a Parliamentary Standing Committee for detailed scrutiny, arguing that such a major change should not be rushed without wider consultation. Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, have alleged that changing the scheme’s name reflects the government’s “obsession” with renaming welfare programmes and undermines Gandhi’s legacy. Opposition parties have also announced nationwide protests on the issue. The government, however, has defended the bill, stating that the scheme’s guarantees remain intact and have in fact been enhanced to 125 days of assured employment. BJP leaders countered opposition claims by highlighting increased budgetary allocations and transparency under the current regime. With the ruling alliance holding a numerical advantage, sources indicate the government is determined to pass the bill in the Lok Sabha today, setting the stage for further confrontation in the Rajya Sabha.