Hyderabad: The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) will organise protests across the State to oppose the Central Government’s move to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The demonstrations will follow a call issued by the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud said the BJP-led government is attempting to erase Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy by replacing the scheme’s name with Viksit Bharat G. Ram G. He condemned the move as a direct insult to the Father of the Nation and the ideals he stood for.
Protest in Hyderabad to begin at Gandhi Hospital
Congress workers will launch the agitation in Hyderabad on Saturday. The protest will take place at the Mahatma Gandhi statue near Gandhi Hospital in Secunderabad. On Sunday, similar protests will be held at all district headquarters across Telangana.
To symbolise public dissent, the Hyderabad protest will include portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and patriotic songs. TPCC leaders said these programmes will highlight the ongoing attempt to undermine the values associated with Gandhi’s name.
Congress calls to protect Gandhi’s legacy
Mahesh Kumar Goud called on party leaders, supporters, and citizens to join the protests in large numbers. He said the BJP is trying to distort history through the rebranding of a welfare scheme that has supported millions of rural families.
Furthermore, he criticised the Centre for politicising a flagship employment programme and stripping it of the identity associated with Mahatma Gandhi. The TPCC vowed to resist any such move and pledged to defend Gandhi’s legacy through democratic means.