New Delhi: The Indian political landscape is witnessing a heated debate as the government moves to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025. Leading the charge against this legislative move is Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who has strongly criticized the bill, raising concerns about the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name and the potential weakening of the rural job guarantee scheme.

The VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025, aims to align rural livelihoods with the government's long-term development vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047". While government officials state the new bill focuses on durable assets supporting water security, rural infrastructure, and climate adaptation, the opposition has voiced concerns about the bill dismantling the rights-based framework of MGNREGA.

Priyanka Gandhi questioned the government's intentions behind renaming the scheme, asking whether such a move was necessary. Speaking to reporters, she said, "Why is Mahatma Gandhi's name being removed? Mahatma Gandhi is considered the tallest leader not just in the country but in the world, so removing his name, I really don't understand. What is the objective? What is their intention?". She also argued that renaming schemes leads to wasteful expenditure on changes in offices and stationery.

Gandhi further attacked the government, saying that the VB-G RAM G Bill stands to "weaken" the original Act's guaranteed 100 days of employment for the poorest citizens. She questioned whether the wage rate had been increased, highlighting the reduction of funds for MGNREGA over the years. She also pointed out that the new bill gives the Center the right to decide where funds are to be allocated, which was previously the right of the gram panchayat.

The Congress party has strongly objected to the bill, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge alleging a "BJP-RSS conspiracy to end MGNREGA". He stated that erasing Gandhi's name reveals the government's hypocrisy, as they offer symbolic tributes to him while undermining his legacy. Kharge affirmed that the Congress Party will oppose the bill in Parliament and on the streets.

Other opposition leaders have also voiced their concerns. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated that the opposition demands the bill be referred to the appropriate Parliamentary Standing Committee for detailed scrutiny. He emphasized the need for deep study and wide consultations, in keeping with parliamentary traditions. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the government's practice of renaming schemes. CPI(M) lawmaker John Brittas said that removing Mahatma Gandhi's name was only the "trailer" and the real damage is deeper.

The government has defended the bill, with officials stating that the new structure is balanced and sensitive to state capacities. They claim that the states already contribute to material and administrative costs, and predictable normative allocation will aid budgeting. The new bill also proposes a guarantee of 125 days of employment per rural household, an increase from the current 100 days.

The Lok Sabha convened on Tuesday with a full agenda, including questions, laying of papers, committee reports, and legislative business. The debate surrounding the VB-G RAM G Bill is expected to continue, with the opposition determined to hold the government accountable and protect the rights of the rural poor.