The introduction of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, intended to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), has ignited a significant political firestorm in India, especially concerning its implications for the Indian National Congress and the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections in 2026.

The Congress's Dilemma

The Congress party faces a multifaceted challenge. The VB-G RAM G Bill, which seeks to revamp the rural employment scheme, has been met with fierce opposition from the Congress, who accuse the ruling BJP of attempting to dismantle the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and undermine the rights of the poor.

Several Congress leaders have voiced strong objections. Rahul Gandhi described the bill as an "insult to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi," alleging Prime Minister Modi harbors a "deep dislike" for Gandhian principles. Shashi Tharoor criticized the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name, calling it an "assault on the very spirit and philosophical foundation" of the program. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stated the bill would "weaken" the guaranteed 100 days of employment for the poorest.

The Congress has announced nationwide protests against the bill, accusing the BJP and RSS of attempting to replace rights-based welfare with charity controlled from the Centre. Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined a protest march in Parliament against the bill.

The VB-G RAM G Bill: Points of Contention

The VB-G RAM G Bill proposes several changes to the existing MGNREGA scheme:

• Increased Employment Days: It aims to provide a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment in every financial year to rural households.
• Focus on Durable Assets: The bill emphasizes the creation of durable assets like water conservation and climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Funding Ratio Changes: For most states, the funding ratio shifts to 60:40 (Centre:States), while it remains 90:10 for Northeastern and Himalayan states.
• Centralized Control: Critics argue the bill centralizes control, with the Centre dictating budgets and rules, potentially denying jobs when funds deplete.

The Congress argues these changes undermine the core principles of MGNREGA, including the legal right to employment on demand and decentralized planning. They claim the shift in funding burdens states and the centralized control will weaken the scheme.

Implications for West Bengal

The political turmoil surrounding the VB-G RAM G Bill has significant implications for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections in 2026. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already criticized the bill and threatened to rename the state's job scheme after Gandhi.

The Congress faces a critical decision regarding alliances in West Bengal. The party's state unit will meet to discuss whether to go alone or form a pact with the Left parties. Some within the party believe they should maintain distance from both the TMC and BJP, focusing on addressing the concerns of the common person. Others cite the dismal performance of the INDIA bloc in recent elections as a reason to avoid alliances.

Moreover, West Bengal's political landscape is gradually tilting towards religion-driven narratives, with parties aligning with specific communities. The BJP, seeking to make inroads in the state, is attempting an intensified hybrid strategy, emphasizing Bengali identity. The Congress needs to carefully navigate this changing landscape as it prepares for the 2026 elections.

A Contentious Road Ahead

The VB-G RAM G Bill has become a major point of contention between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. The Congress views the bill as an attack on the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and a dilution of a crucial welfare scheme, while the BJP defends it as a necessary reform aligned with the vision of a developed India. As the political battle intensifies, the implications for the rural poor and the upcoming West Bengal elections remain to be seen.