Committed to fight for rights of rural labourers: Ajay Rai

Lucknow: Accusing the Central and the state govts of "weakening" the rural job guarantee framework, the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee on Friday organised a statewide "MNREGA Bachao Padyatra" across all districts, seeking restoration of the scheme "in its original form".The march, held at the call of the All-India Congress Committee, was positioned as part of a broader agitation to safeguard the rights of rural workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
In Lucknow, the yatra was led by UPCC president Ajay Rai. The march began at the Kakori Shaheed Smarak, where party leaders paid tributes to the martyrs before proceeding through Hardoi Road, Durgaganj crossing and Kakori town, passing through several villages, before concluding at Bhaliya crossing. "The party is committed to fighting for the economic and social rights of rural labourers," Rai said. He invoked Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, stating that the Congress would continue its struggle to protect the livelihood security of workers dependent on MGNREGA. Manish Srivastava Hindvi, vice-chairman of the media department of the state Congress unit, said similar marches were held in all districts, with senior functionaries ensuring "wide participation".Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !