Trinamool Congress Members of Parliament staged an overnight dharna within the Parliament premises to protest against the passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. The protest was held soon after the bill was cleared by Parliament, with TMC MPs expressing strong opposition to both the substance of the legislation and the manner in which it was passed.
According to TMC leaders, the bill was rushed through Parliament without sufficient discussion or consultation with opposition parties. They argued that such significant changes to a major rural employment scheme required detailed debate, scrutiny, and consensus-building. The MPs stated that bypassing these processes undermines the spirit of parliamentary democracy and weakens legislative oversight.
A key point of contention raised by the Trinamool Congress was the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the rural employment programme. Party leaders said the association with Gandhi symbolized the scheme’s focus on dignity of labour and rural self-reliance. They described the renaming as disrespectful and unnecessary, arguing that it diminishes the historical and moral significance of the programme.
The TMC also raised concerns about the potential impact of the new legislation on rural employment. According to the party, changes introduced through the VB-G RAM G Bill could affect job security and funding mechanisms, particularly for economically vulnerable communities in rural areas. The MPs warned that any weakening of employment guarantees could adversely impact livelihoods, especially during times of economic uncertainty.
During the overnight protest, TMC MPs sat on the floor of Parliament holding placards and raising slogans against the bill. They demanded that the government either withdraw the legislation or refer it to a parliamentary committee for detailed examination. The protest was peaceful and aimed at drawing attention to what the party described as a serious policy and procedural issue.
The government, however, has defended the bill, stating that the revised framework seeks to strengthen rural employment by improving efficiency, transparency, and delivery mechanisms. Officials have maintained that the core objective of providing employment opportunities remains unchanged, and that the new legislation will enhance implementation at the ground level.
Political analysts note that the protest reflects broader opposition concerns over the renaming of long-standing welfare schemes and the perceived sidelining of parliamentary debate. The issue has sparked similar reactions from other opposition parties, adding to the political discourse surrounding rural employment policy and legislative processes.
As the debate continues, attention will now turn to the implementation of the new law and its impact on rural employment outcomes. The overnight dharna by TMC MPs underscores the growing tension between the government and opposition over major policy changes and highlights the importance of inclusive dialogue in the legislative process.
