T.N. CM Stalin slams Centre for dismantling MGNREGA, vows to fight new rural jobs scheme

T.N. CM Stalin criticizes the Centre's rural job scheme, pledging to protect MGNREGA and support Tamil Nadu's rural workers.

Launching a scathing attack on the Union government, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the BJP-led Centre of “betraying” rural workers and attempting to erase the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi by replacing the MGNREGA with the new rural jobs scheme.  

Speaking at the inauguration of the Government Law College at Karaikudi in Sivaganga district on Saturday (January 31, 2026), he signalled a fierce political and legal battle against the Centre’s policy, which he termed a ‘deceptive ploy.’ 

The Government Law College in Karaikudi in Sivaganga district | Photo Credit: L. Balachandar

Accusing the Union government of intentionally removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from MGNREGA and replacing the demand-based ‘Right to Work’ scheme with a discretionary allocation system “controlled from Delhi,” he said: “They could not even provide 50 days of work under the existing law, and now they are promising 125 days. It is a trick, a pure illusion.” He echoed concerns that the new scheme would shift a staggering 40% of the financial burden onto the States. 

“This is a punishment for Tamil Nadu’s success in poverty eradication. Because our State has performed well, the Centre is trying to slash our benefits and force us to pay more. We will not be silent spectators,” he asserted.