Key Takeaways:

• MGNREGA protests in Kerala saw Congress hold dharnas in Kanhangad, Nileshwaram and Vellarikundu over alleged disruptions to the rural employment scheme.
• Local Congress leaders, including district and mandal officials, led marches and sit-ins demanding full implementation and protection of workers’ rights.
• Protesters called on the central government to ensure funds and prevent interference that could undermine rural livelihoods.

MGNREGA protests in Kerala as Congress stages dharnas in Kasargod

Congress committees in Kasargod district held a series of protests on Monday to protest what they described as attempts to undermine the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Demonstrations were staged in Kanhangad, Nileshwaram and Vellarikundu, drawing local party leaders and grassroots workers who called for the central government to restore and protect rural employment guarantees.

MGNREGA protests in Kerala escalate across three towns

In Kanhangad the district committee organised a dharna outside the main post office, with DCC president P.K. Faisal presiding over the opening. Mandal president P.V. Chandrashekharan chaired the session while a string of local leaders addressed the gathering, voicing concern over alleged administrative interference in the scheme that provides wage employment to rural families.

Speakers at the Kanhangad event included district Fisherfolk Congress president K.K. Babu, Pravasi Congress district president Divakaran Karichery, municipal parliamentary party leader Anil Vazhunnorady and other local office-bearers. The protesters said the actions they oppose were affecting day-to-day livelihoods and undermining a programme that is central to rural social protection.

In Nileshwaram the mandal committee held a protest demonstration and a public meeting. Mandal president Eruvat Mohanan chaired the session while block Congress president Madayan Unnikrishnan, Dalit Congress district president P. Ramachandran, Youth Congress mandal president Anoop Orch and mandal general secretary P. Ratheesh spoke on the importance of timely payments and transparent implementation.

Vellarikundu saw a march and dharna at the sub post office organised by the Balal mandal Congress committee. The event was inaugurated by Kerala Panchayat Association state vice-president Raju Kattakkayam and chaired by mandal president M.P. Joseph. Protesters marched through local streets before staging a sit-in, stressing the need to shield MGNREGA from any administrative lapses.

MGNREGA, a national scheme guaranteeing a minimum number of days of paid work to rural households, has been a key instrument of social protection and local economic support. Party leaders at the protests warned that any disruption to the scheme would have immediate consequences for poor and marginalised families who depend on its wages for basic needs.

Local Congress leaders called for an immediate review of the implementation process, urging authorities to ensure that funds are released on time and that work entries and payments are processed without hindrance. They also sought a transparent inquiry into the complaints of irregularities and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.

While the demonstrations were firm in their demands, there were no reports of violence or major law-and-order problems. Organisers framed the protests as a peaceful expression of public concern aimed at protecting rural livelihoods and ensuring that MGNREGA functions as intended.

The Kasargod district protests add to a broader debate over the delivery of public employment programmes in several states, with local political parties and civil society groups monitoring implementation closely. As the issue develops, community leaders and policymakers will be watching for any official response from district and central authorities addressing the grievances raised by the demonstrators.