The Congress has stepped up its criticism of the VB-GRAM-G Bill 2025 after it was passed by Parliament, with senior party leader and MP Kumari Selja accusing the government of attempting to dismantle the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and weaken a vital welfare framework for the poor.

Reacting to the passage of the Bill, Selja said the move reflects a deliberate effort to fundamentally alter the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which she described as one of the country’s most successful social welfare schemes. She pointed out that the programme’s impact has been so significant that even the Prime Minister has previously acknowledged its importance.

Selja alleged that beyond restructuring the scheme, the government’s intention is to gradually remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from public life. She asserted that such attempts would fail, as Gandhi’s contribution and ideals are deeply embedded in the nation’s collective consciousness. According to her, passing the Bill in Parliament does not end the debate, and the Congress will take the issue directly to the people.

Questioning the narrative being built around the changes, Selja asked why Mahatma Gandhi’s name was being projected in opposition to Lord Ram. She said there is no contradiction between the two and criticised what she called an unnecessary and divisive comparison. The Congress leader argued that the move reflects a larger ideological agenda rather than administrative reform.

Emphasising Gandhi’s lifelong commitment to the poorest and most marginalised sections of society, Selja said any dilution of schemes inspired by his values would hurt those who depend on them the most. She reiterated that the Congress would continue to oppose the Bill both politically and publicly, framing it as a fight to protect welfare rights and historical legacy.