Tripura, 30 Jan 2026: As part of the “Save MGNREGA” agitation, the Pradesh Congress organised a mass sit-in (gan abosthan) in support of non-violence, constitutional values, and the right to work.
On the occasion, Congress leaders first visited Gandhi Ghat and paid floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s Martyr’s Altar on his death anniversary. The tributes were led by Pradesh Congress President Ashish Kumar Saha, along with MLA Sudip Roy Barman and other senior Congress leaders.
Speaking to the media, Ashish Kumar Saha alleged that the central government is attempting to snatch away the rights of the poor, including their right to wages and employment, by introducing a new law. He claimed that this move would make states victims of political manipulation and encourage partisan control over panchayats.
He said that opposing this proposed law, the Indian National Congress has announced protest programmes on Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary, to be organised at the district, block, and panchayat levels across all states. As part of this nationwide movement, mass sit-ins are being held demanding the protection and restoration of MGNREGA.
Ashish Kumar Saha called upon people from all sections of society to join the struggle to “save MGNREGA” and oppose what he termed as a conspiracy by the ruling BJP. He alleged that the move amounts to disrespect towards Mahatma Gandhi and is aimed at establishing a contractor-driven system through new legislation.
Drawing parallels with the repeal of the farm laws following farmers’ protests and the ongoing nationwide movements against labour laws, he expressed confidence that the current struggle would also succeed. He said the Pradesh Congress believes that sustained public resistance would force the central government to withdraw the proposed law and halt the implementation of the new Gramajee (rural) law.
