Congress JK PCC President Tariq Hameed Karra led a major protest in Srinagar against the alleged BJP-RSS move to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The protest march began from the Congress party office and proceeded towards MA Road, with senior leaders, workers, and supporters taking part. Addressing the gathering, Karra termed the move “undemocratic,” alleging it was aimed at snatching rural livelihoods and weakening employment security for the poor. He further claimed the attempt was meant to erase Mahatma Gandhi’s name and legacy from a flagship welfare scheme, asserting Congress will continue its agitation to protect MGNREGA. Meanwhile, BJP on Monday dismissed the Congress protest, stating the issue is not about removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name but about updating the “spirit” of the scheme. BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said Mahatma Gandhi’s name belongs to the entire nation and cannot be monopolised by any party. He said the government intends to give the programme a fresh, development-oriented thrust aligned with current economic needs. Thakur accused Congress of misleading people for political gains and demanded an apology from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for alleged derogatory remarks.