Rahul Gandhi in Rae Bareli for 2-day visit: ‘MGNREGA chaupal’, party meet on agenda

The Act, introduced by the ruling BJP government, has replaced the now repealed Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

“Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will arrive at Lucknow Airport at 7 pm. He will stay the night in Bhumau, Rae Bareli. On January 20, he will also inaugurate a cricket tournament at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. Cricketer R P Singh would also be present,” informed a party leader.

Singh is also from Rae Bareli.

“On January 21, he will hold meetings and interactions with party officials and workers. Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma will also be present,” the party leader added.

AICC General Secretary, Organisation, K C Venugopal, had on Sunday said the chaupal would be held in Rae Bareli, adding that it is to “re-affirm our commitment to the rights and dignity of rural workers”.

The Congress has been organising sit-ins and protests across different parts of the state under the MGNREGA Bachao Sangram. The party has also planned panchayats across the state.

Last week, the Congress had held protests in Varanasi, led by state unit chief Ajay Rai who sat on a symbolic fast. Later, NSUI workers held a protest march from Banaras Hindu University’s Lanka Gate to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s local office.

Earlier this month, the party had laid out its year-long protest plan — including peaceful sit-ins, Vidhan Sabha gherao, panchayat-level outreach — with the first phase from January 10 to February 25. State units were asked to ensure participation, mobilisation, media outreach and submit detailed reports to the party high command.