The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the G RAM G Bill, which will replace the MNREGA scheme. The bill guarantees 125 days of rural employment per household every year. Opposition MPs protested strongly, accusing the Centre of insulting Mahatma Gandhi by removing his name from the law. They shouted slogans and tore copies of the bill in the House. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the move and blamed Congress for politicising Gandhi’s name. He said the government follows Gandhi’s ideals through welfare schemes. The House was adjourned after continued protests by Opposition members. (PC: India Today)

The Election Commission of India has flagged over 1.36 crore voters in West Bengal during the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The issues were found through progeny mapping and other data checks. Officials said many cases involve simple errors like father’s name mismatch or age gaps. The total discrepancy cases stand at 1.62 crore, as some voters have more than one issue. The Chief Electoral Officer said genuine voters will not face problems. Booth Level Officers will verify records. Voters can file claims or objections till January 15 with district officials or the CEO. (PC: The Hindu)

A political battle erupted over the proposed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (G RAM G) Bill, 2025, replacing the two-decade-old MGNREGA. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the Centre, calling it an attempt to erase Mahatma Gandhi's legacy, alleging PM Modi harbors hatred for Gandhi's ideas and poor people's rights. Two major contentions emerged: the 60:40 Centre-state funding split versus MGNREGA's full central funding, and a 60-day work pause during agricultural seasons. BJP defended the changes as necessary modernization, increasing guaranteed work from 100 to 125 days, incorporating AI fraud detection and GPS monitoring. Congress promised nationwide protests with Gandhi's portraits, while BJP called allegations "misleading," positioning the bill as aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi attacked the Centre's plan to replace MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Bill 2025, calling it a direct insult to Mahatma Gandhi's ideals. Gandhi alleged PM Modi harbors deep dislike for Gandhi's ideas and poor people's rights. He described MGNREGA as the living embodiment of Gandhi's Gram Swaraj vision and a lifeline for millions during COVID-19. Gandhi criticized the proposed 60:40 Centre-State funding split, claiming it would centralize control and burden states with 40% costs. The new bill promises 125 days of employment versus the current 100 days. Gandhi vowed Opposition protests "from roads to Parliament" against this "anti-people bill" that threatens rural livelihoods.

The Congress on Tuesday claimed the National Herald case was part of a political conspiracy after the matter was dismissed. Addressing a press conference, senior leader Pawan Khera said the case was used to target Rahul Gandhi and break his morale. He said the conspiracy was not only against the Congress MP but also against the people of India. Khera accused the ruling establishment of misusing agencies to silence the opposition. He said the dismissal of the case exposed the truth. The Congress said it will continue to raise issues of democracy, justice and accountability. (PC: India Today)

A Delhi court has given major relief to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. The court refused to take note of the money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate. It said the ED complaint under the PMLA was not valid. The judge ruled that the case was based on a private complaint, not an FIR. Because of this, the case could not continue. Others named in the case included Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey. The ED is likely to challenge the order after studying the full judgment. Congress leaders called the case baseless. (PC: India Today)

The Election Commission has released the draft voter list for West Bengal after a month-long Special Intensive Revision. The exercise reviewed entries across the state. Around 58 lakh names are likely removed from the rolls. Officials said over 58.17 lakh forms were uncollected. These include voters who were absent, dead, or listed more than once. The draft list ends the first phase of the revision. The next stage will allow claims and objections. Hearings will follow across districts. This process will continue till February 2026, officials said. The commission said transparency and accuracy remain key goals of the exercise nationwide. (PC: India Today)

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sparked controversy after a video showed him pulling down a woman’s hijab at an official event in Patna. The incident took place while he was handing appointment letters to AYUSH doctors at the state secretariat. The woman, identified as Nusrat Parveen, was wearing a hijab when she approached the stage. The video went viral on social media and drew sharp criticism from Opposition parties. Congress and RJD called the act “despicable” and demanded Kumar’s resignation. Shiv Sena UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi described it as public harassment. The event was attended by senior ministers and deputy chief ministers.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the Centre’s plan to rename and replace MGNREGA. He called the move unfortunate and said Mahatma Gandhi’s name is central to the scheme’s purpose. Tharoor said Gandhi stood for the rural poor and believed in dignity of work. He argued that removing Gandhi’s name ignores the moral base of the programme. Tharoor also warned against creating divisions where none exist. His remarks come as the government plans a new rural jobs law under the Viksit Bharat vision. The proposal has drawn strong opposition from Congress and other parties. (PC: NDTV)

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met poll strategist Prashant Kishor in Delhi last week, sources said. The meeting followed poor results for both sides in the Bihar election. It took place at Sonia Gandhi’s residence. The report triggered fresh talk of possible cooperation. Asked about it, Priyanka Gandhi said her meetings were not important. Kishor denied that any meeting happened. Both sides stayed cautious. They have worked together earlier with mixed results. Kishor later formed Jan Suraaj, which failed to win seats in Bihar. Sources say defeats may reopen talks ahead of future state and national elections in India today.