Overview
- The Karnataka Cabinet resolved not to accept the VB-G RAM G Act and to file a legal challenge, arguing it infringes the right to work, centralises decisions, and shifts about 40% of costs to states.
- Punjab kicked off the Congress-led ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ with a rally in Gurdaspur, while Bihar and Rajasthan announced campaigns from January 10 and Nagaland began a 45‑day agitation.
- Telangana’s Congress mapped a 45‑day programme including gram sabha resolutions from January 20 to January 30 and district meetings in early February, with a large public event planned in Mulugu.
- Union minister Pralhad Joshi defended the overhaul as increasing guaranteed workdays to 125 and adding centralised payments and GPS-based monitoring, rejecting claims that local bodies lose control.
- BJP leaders moved to reassure cadres and local officials about the changes, even as the law remains in force after presidential assent and rival parties escalate legal and street-level campaigns.