Agartala, February 17: The opposition Congress party held a significant rally in Agartala on Tuesday, accusing the BJP-led central government of systematically undermining the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and effectively withdrawing its support.
The rally began at Swami Vivekananda Ground, attracting hundreds of Congress supporters led by senior leaders who carried party flags and banners. The procession, which was headed towards Lok Bhavan (Governor’s House), was halted by police amidst heavy security in the Buddhamandir area.
Addressing the gathered crowd, state Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha, former minister and MLA Sudip Roy Barman, and MLA Birajit Sinha criticized the central government for its actions against MGNREGA.
Speaking to reporters, Roy Barman, a member of the Congress Working Committee, described MGNREGA as a “historic scheme” initiated by the Congress-led UPA government in 2005. He alleged that specific provisions allowing citizens to demand employment have been weakened.
He stated, “It is becoming increasingly difficult to find work under this scheme.” He further accused the government of reducing the financial and planning powers previously granted to panchayats, forcing states to bear up to 40% of the costs, which adversely affects poorer states.
Roy Barman added, “When states fail to shoulder this burden, the rural poor suffer. Those who rely on MGNREGA lose their livelihood opportunities.” He also mentioned that Congress has submitted a memorandum to the Governor, demanding proper implementation of the Act.
The Congress leader criticized the ongoing political tussle between the BJP and its ally, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), ahead of the crucial elections for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), labeling it as “political drama.”
Referencing recent statements by Chief Minister Manik Saha and TMP leader Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma regarding the Kokborok (tribal language) Roman script issue, Roy Barman claimed this controversy is being used to divert attention from key governance issues. He reiterated that Congress supports the use of the Roman script for Kokborok and emphasized that tribal communities have the democratic right to choose their script.
He accused the government of using sensitive cultural issues as a pretext, stating, “Instead of addressing unemployment and livelihood concerns, cultural issues are being politicized.”
Congress leaders pointed out that while political drama dominates discussions ahead of the TTAADC elections, essential issues like rural employment and social security are being overlooked.
Later, a six-member delegation met Governor Indra Sen Reddy Nallu at Lok Bhavan, presenting a memorandum outlining their concerns. Congress has demanded the withdrawal of the newly implemented Developed India Guarantee for the Rural Employment and Livelihood Mission.
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