Rae Bareli (Uttar Pradesh), January 20, 2026: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday addressed a large public meeting — the ‘MGNREGA Chaupal’ — in the Unchahar area of Rae Bareli, highlighting his party’s opposition to recent changes in the rural employment law and pledging to defend the rights of poor workers.
Rahul Gandhi, who is currently on a two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency, interacted with rural workers, gram panchayat representatives and residents, asserting that MGNREGA is more than a scheme — it is a symbol of dignity and employment rights for poor labourers. He blamed the central government’s new legislation for weakening its core spirit and accountability to local communities.
Addressing the gathering, Gandhi accused the government of undermining MGNREGA’s original guarantees and disrupting the livelihood security of rural workers. He said that the new law has diluted essential democratic safeguards and harmed the grassroots governance role of panchayats. Congress leaders have launched a nationwide “MGNREGA Bachao” campaign to oppose the new law and protect workers.
Rahul Gandhi also criticised the Modi government’s broader economic policies, alleging that the current leadership is centralising power and favouring corporate interests at the expense of ordinary citizens.
Before attending the Chaupal, Gandhi inaugurated a local cricket tournament at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Rae Bareli, engaging with residents and party workers.
Senior Congress leaders, as well as grassroots activists, joined him in reaffirming their commitment to ensuring rural employment rights remain protected under law. The event underscores the ongoing political campaign led by the Congress to build public support ahead of key elections and policy debates.
