Congress Issues Whip Ahead Of MNREGA Bill Debate As Rahul Gandhi Remains In Germany

Last Updated:December 16, 2025, 21:58 IST

Ahead of the debate in parliament over the Bill seeking to rename MNREGA, the Congress issued a whip directing all its MPs to remain present in the House for the next three days.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (IMAGE: PTI)

As the bill seeking to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) expected to be tabled in Parliament within the next day or two, the Congress has issued a whip directing all its MPs to remain present in the House for the next three days.

However, senior party leader Rahul Gandhi is set to miss the proceedings as he is currently in Germany. The BJP, meanwhile, has instructed its MPs to ensure their presence in Parliament from December 15 to 19.

While Gandhi’s absence is unlikely to alter the numerical outcome of any vote, the Congress has 99 MPs in the Lok Sabha, and the Opposition bloc collectively holds 234 seats against the NDA’s 291 in the 543-member House, it has provided fresh ammunition for the BJP to attack the Congress leadership.

The ruling party has already targeted Gandhi over his foreign travel during the crucial winter session.

BJP leaders mocked his role as Leader of the Opposition, claiming that “LoP" now stands for “Leader of Paryatan," and accused him of prioritising overseas trips over parliamentary responsibilities.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla described Gandhi as a “non-serious politician," alleging that while others were focused on work, he remained in “permanent vacation mode."

He also referred to Gandhi’s absence during key political moments, including the Bihar elections, to underline what he called misplaced priorities.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi echoed the criticism, labelling Gandhi a “part-time leader" who frequently travels abroad when Parliament is in session and later complains about not being allowed to speak in the House.

The Congress has pushed back against the attacks, pointing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s frequent foreign visits and accusing the BJP of indulging in political grandstanding.

The ongoing phase of the winter session is particularly significant for the Congress as the government moves to rename MNREGA, a flagship welfare scheme launched during the UPA era.

The proposed new title, Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural), abbreviated as G Ram G, has sparked sharp opposition from the party.

The Congress has termed the renaming unnecessary and ideologically driven, alleging that dropping Mahatma Gandhi’s name reflects the BJP’s broader attempt to erase his legacy.

Party president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the move in a post on X, saying it exposed the hypocrisy of those who publicly pay tribute to Gandhi while seeking to remove his name from landmark programmes.

Kharge also accused the government of undermining the rights of the poor and workers, warning that the Congress would oppose any such decision both inside Parliament and on the streets.

Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan said the BJP had earlier targeted Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, and was now turning its attention to Mahatma Gandhi.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, meanwhile, questioned the government’s priorities, saying Parliament was failing to function meaningfully as crucial public issues went undiscussed, leading to a waste of time and taxpayer money.

News india Congress Issues Whip Ahead Of MNREGA Bill Debate As Rahul Gandhi Remains In Germany

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