Gandhinagar erupted in political fervor on Monday as the Gujarat Congress launched a fierce ‘Jan Aakrosh Sabha’ rally right at the kickoff of the state assembly’s budget session. The demonstration targeted the central government’s controversial proposal to scrap the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and replace it with the Viksit Bharat – Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill.
Thousands gathered in the heart of the capital, including senior party leaders, MLAs, MPs, farmers, tribal representatives, healthcare workers, and members of voluntary organizations. The event, organized by the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, underscored deep-seated grievances against the ruling dispensation.
AICC General Secretary Mukul Wasnik set the tone with a scathing speech, painting a grim picture of farmer distress, soaring unemployment, and rampant corruption. ‘Farmers are suffering, women face harassment, youth are trapped in poverty with joblessness at its peak, and corruption has hit record highs—yet the Bhupendra Patel and Narendra Modi governments sleep soundly,’ he thundered.
Wasnik didn’t hold back on economic policies, accusing the Centre of fostering dependency on America instead of true self-reliance. He highlighted a lopsided tariff deal where the US imposed 18% duties on Indian goods while India offered zero tariffs in return. ‘This is not Atmanirbhar Bharat; it’s America Nirbhar Bharat,’ he quipped.
Gujarat Congress President Amit Chavda revealed extensive statewide outreach campaigns, covering nearly 5,000 kilometers across Saurashtra, North, and Central Gujarat. He slammed the government for tormenting youth with drug peddling accusations, liquor bans, and fake caste certificates, alongside MGNREGA corruption via commissions.
CLP Leader Tushar Chaudhary alleged corruption from ‘panchayat to parliament,’ claiming forest officials harass tribal laborers. Former MLA Mahesh Vasava invoked ongoing struggles over water, forests, and land rights. MP Geniben Thakor and MLA Anant Patel voiced concerns over administrative paralysis in tribal belts.
The party vowed sustained protests throughout the budget session on key public issues and hinted at ramping up preparations for the 2027 assembly polls, with expectations of Rahul Gandhi campaigning in the state. This rally signals Congress’s aggressive bid to reclaim ground in Gujarat’s polarized politics.