There was a huge uproar in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday (December 16, 2025) when Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan introduced ‘Developed India – Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural)’ in the House. The opposition is calling it ‘Ji Ram Ji Bill’. As soon as the bill was introduced, opposition parties including Congress started a sharp protest and the proceedings of the House were disrupted. The government says that this bill is related to strengthening rural employment and livelihood, while the opposition is calling it an attempt to change the name of existing schemes.
Priyanka Gandhi’s objection, demand to send it to the standing committee
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi lodged a strong objection under Rule 72(1). He said that MNREGA has been effective in providing rural employment and strengthening the rural economy for the last 20 years. He demanded that instead of passing this bill directly, it should be sent to the Standing Committee of Parliament.
‘Question related to the condition of MNREGA workers’
Priyanka Gandhi said that in rural areas, a MNREGA laborer can be identified from a distance – there are wrinkles on the face and hands are as hard as stone. He said that in such a situation, serious discussion is necessary on any change related to this scheme. Priyanka Gandhi clearly demanded withdrawal of the bill. He said that the ‘craze’ of changing the name of every scheme is beyond comprehension and it affects the basic objective.
Opposition’s loud ruckus, MPs descended into the well
As soon as the bill was introduced, MPs from Congress and other opposition parties came to the well. Slogans were raised with placards in their hands and noise started in the House. The opposition demanded immediate withdrawal of the bill. DMK MP TR Baalu opposed the introduction of the bill. Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy also objected to the government’s move and opposed the introduction of the bill in the House.
Shivraj Singh Chauhan’s counterattack
Amidst the uproar, Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that Mahatma Gandhi resides in the hearts of the countrymen. He said that the resolve of both Gandhiji and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay was for the welfare of the last person of the society. He also said that the government not only believes in Gandhiji but also believes in his ideas. Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that Mahatma Gandhi himself used to talk about Ram Rajya. He raised the question as to why the opposition is objecting to the name ‘Ji Ram Ji’.
