Praliament Session: Fierce Showdown in Parliament Over New Rural Employment Bill as Opposition Protests Renaming of MGNREGA

A major political confrontation is set to unfold in Parliament today as tensions escalate between the ruling party and the opposition over the newly introduced Rural Employment Guarantee Bill, popularly referred to as the “Ji Ram Ji Bill.” The government presented the bill in the Lok Sabha yesterday, triggering strong protests from opposition parties both inside and outside Parliament. Congress MPs staged demonstrations holding pictures of Mahatma Gandhi, accusing the government of insulting Bapu by changing the name of MGNREGA. The opposition termed the move an attack on Gandhi’s legacy and raised slogans in protest. With just three days left in the current Parliament session, the government is keen on passing the bill in the Lok Sabha today, followed by an attempt to clear it in the Rajya Sabha in the coming days. The Congress has issued a whip to all its MPs, making their presence mandatory. A crucial meeting of INDIA alliance MPs is scheduled in the Parliament complex ahead of the House proceedings to finalise protest strategy. Sources indicate that opposition parties are preparing for aggressive demonstrations, including rushing into the Well of the House. While the opposition lacks the numbers to block the bill, it is determined to mount a symbolic and vocal resistance. The day is expected to witness intense disruptions, making the bill one of the most contentious legislative battles of the session.