MGNREGA Protests: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has commenced the new year with a holiday in Vietnam, according to party sources. His return will be immediately followed by participation in rallies for the ‘Save MGNREGA Campaign’.
Prior to his Vietnam trip, Gandhi attended the engagement ceremony of his nephew, Raihan Vadra, in Ranthambore, Rajasthan, on January 1st.
BJP Takes a Dig at Gandhi’s Travels
The visit has drawn sarcasm from the BJP. Taking a jab, BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya remarked, “We are fortunate that Rahul Gandhi found time to spend a few moments in Ranthambore between his two crucial foreign trips to Germany and Vietnam. It seems the Congress leadership is now available on a fly-by basis.”
Focus to Shift to MGNREGA Agitation and Poll-Bound States
However, Congress sources indicate that Gandhi will dive straight into the party’s ‘Save MGNREGA’ agitation rallies upon his return. Furthermore, he is likely to tour the five states headed for Assembly elections later this year, with visits potentially beginning in January.
To outline the party’s upcoming strategy, Congress General Secretaries K.C. Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh are scheduled to address a press conference on Saturday. They are expected to detail the schedule of programmes starting January 5th, including the participation of Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders in protests against the government’s handling of the rural jobs scheme.
