Oppn Steps Up Attack On Centre Before Budget Session

The strategy was firmed up at a meeting held in the Parliament House complex in the chamber of Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge. The gathering reflected the Opposition’s attempt to present a united front and sharpen its parliamentary intervention on issues it says have a direct bearing on livelihoods, federalism and democratic functioning.

Besides Kharge, the meet was attended by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretaries Jairam Ramesh and K.C. Venugopal, DMK leader T.R. Baalu, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Arvind Sawant, Samajwadi Party’s Javed Ali Khan, RJD’s Premchand Gupta, CPM’s John Brittas and RSP’s N.K. Premchandran, among others. Leaders from across parties exchanged views on floor coordination, speaking time and the sequence in which issues would be raised in both Houses.

According to sources, a major focus of the discussion was the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Opposition leaders alleged the government was “quietly dismantling” the flagship rural employment scheme by reducing allocations, delaying wage payments and introducing administrative changes that make it harder for workers to access guaranteed employment. They expressed apprehension over what they described as a broad intent to weaken or repeal the law, an allegation the government has denied in the past.

The leaders resolved to strongly flag the issue during the Budget Session, arguing that MGNREGA remains a crucial safety net for rural households, particularly at a time of rising prices and job insecurity. Some leaders also pointed to reports from their constituencies highlighting delays in payments and shrinking workdays.

The meeting also took up the issue of SIR, with several parties voicing concerns over its scope, timing and implementation. Sources said the Opposition plans to seek detailed clarifications from the government and press for a comprehensive debate in Parliament, alleging that the process could have far-reaching implications.

Insiders claim the deliberations underscored the I.N.D.I.A. bloc’s effort to maintain cohesion during the Budget Session and mount sustained pressure on the government over economic management, welfare policies and governance issues.