Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday accused the BJP-led central government of systematically weakening the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a flagship rural employment scheme. Speaking during the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, she demanded an increase in the minimum wage under the scheme to ₹400 per day and an extension of guaranteed workdays from 100 to 150 per year.

Sonia Gandhi highlighted that the MGNREGA, enacted in 2005 during the UPA government under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has been a vital safety net for millions of rural poor. However, she expressed deep concern over its alleged deterioration under the current administration.

“The budget allocation for MGNREGA remains stagnant at ₹86,000 crore, which is a 10-year low as a percentage of GDP. When adjusted for inflation, the effective budget has declined by ₹4,000 crore. Estimates suggest that nearly 20% of the allocated funds will be used to clear pending dues from previous years,” she stated.

She also pointed out several challenges plaguing the scheme, including the exclusionary Aadhaar-based payment system, the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS), persistent delays in wage payments, and wage rates that fail to keep pace with inflation. The NMMS app, which requires real-time attendance and geotagged photographs of workers, has been criticized for adding unnecessary complexity.

Sonia Gandhi called for adequate financial provisions to sustain and expand MGNREGA. She urged the government to increase the minimum wage to ₹400 per day, ensure timely disbursement of wages, and raise the number of guaranteed workdays from 100 to 150 annually.

The central government had previously increased MGNREGA wages by 3-10% in nominal terms for the financial year 2024-25, just before the general elections were announced last year. However, wages vary significantly across states, ranging from ₹237 per day in Uttarakhand to ₹300 in Andhra Pradesh.

Demanding the removal of the Aadhaar Payments Bridge System (APBS) and NMMS, Sonia Gandhi emphasized, “These measures are essential to ensure that MGNREGA provides dignified employment and financial security to rural workers.”

A curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur following violent clashes that erupted on Monday night over demands to remove Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb from Maharashtra. The unrest left 33 police officers and five civilians injured, with multiple shops and vehicles set ablaze.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have labeled the violence as a “planned conspiracy” and blamed it on deliberate misinformation. Fadnavis pointed to the large-scale stone-pelting and targeted attacks, saying, “We got a trolley of stones, indicating planning, and some specified houses and institutions were targeted.”

He added that misinformation about a religious symbol on a symbolic grave sparked the violence. “One Deputy Commissioner was attacked with an axe… those who took the law into their hands will not be spared,” he asserted.

Clashes fueled by ‘Chhava’ movie and political tensions

The controversy began when right-wing groups Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged a protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. The groups symbolically burned a grave made of grass and raised slogans. This, according to authorities, led to the spread of false claims that religious texts were burned, triggering a reaction from the Muslim community.

Eknath Shinde backed Fadnavis’ claims, saying, “Patriotic Muslims will never support Aurangzeb.” He further called Aurangzeb’s tomb a “blot on Maharashtra” and accused opposition parties of inciting the violence.

Opposition alleges BJP conspiracy

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray countered the ruling alliance’s claims, alleging that the BJP was attempting to create a “Manipur-like situation” in Maharashtra. His party colleague, Priyanka Chaturvedi, also accused the BJP of orchestrating the violence as part of a larger political agenda.

Meanwhile, Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari urged people not to believe in rumors, stating, “Nagpur is known for maintaining peace. I urge my brothers not to fall for misinformation.”

Current situation in Nagpur

Heavy security has been deployed across the city, particularly near Aurangzeb’s tomb, which is under legal protection. Several houses and shops were vandalized, and multiple vehicles were torched during the riots.

Residents recounted terrifying experiences, with one, Sharad Gupta from Hansapuri, stating that a mob attacked his house around 10:30 PM, setting his two-wheelers on fire while police response was delayed.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and curfew measures remain in place to prevent further escalation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Budget session, hailed the successful organization of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. He attributed its grandeur to the collective efforts of the people of India, especially those from Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj.

“I bow to the countrymen whose efforts led to the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh. The success of the Maha Kumbh is a result of countless contributions. I thank the people of India, Uttar Pradesh, and Prayagraj,” PM Modi said.

Highlighting the event as an embodiment of the nation’s diversity and unity, he remarked that differences faded away during the Maha Kumbh, underscoring India’s deep-rooted spirit of oneness.

A global spectacle of faith and devotion

PM Modi emphasized that the Maha Kumbh not only showcased India’s cultural richness but also served as a testament to its national awakening. “The entire world saw India’s grandeur in the form of Maha Kumbh. We witnessed a national awakening in the Maha Kumbh, which would inspire new achievements. This also gave a befitting reply to those who doubt our strength,” he stated.

According to official data, the Maha Kumbh, which took place from January 13 to February 26, saw a staggering participation of 66 crore devotees, nearly ten times the population of France. Over 40 crore devotees and Naga seers took a holy dip in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati at the Sangam in Prayagraj.

Congress questions omission of stampede deaths

While PM Modi focused on the success and significance of the Maha Kumbh, the Congress criticized him for not addressing the tragic stampede incidents that occurred during the event. At least 30 people lost their lives in a stampede at the fair venue, while another 18 perished due to a Kumbh-bound rush at a railway station in Delhi.

PM Modi connects Maha Kumbh with India’s cultural revival

The Prime Minister also shared that he had immersed sacred water from Sangam at the Ganga Talao in Mauritius, further emphasizing the global significance of India’s traditions. He concluded his speech by asserting that the new generation of India is embracing its heritage with pride, and events like Maha Kumbh strengthen the nation’s unity and cultural resurgence.