In one of its biggest shows of strength since losing power in Chhattisgarh, the Congress party today mobilised over 30,000 workers from across the state to lay siege to the state assembly in Raipur — rallying against the central government's move to rename MGNREGA, spiralling LPG cylinder prices, and a string of governance failures under the current BJP administration.

Senior leaders including AICC General Secretary Sachin Pilot, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Leader of Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant, and former Deputy CM T.S. Singhdev are expected to lead the charge at the demonstration. The event, branded as the Manrega Bachao Sangram, marks the Opposition's most coordinated street-level offensive in recent months.

Why This Matters Now

The timing of the gherao is deliberate. With the central government reportedly moving to rename the flagship rural employment scheme — and critics calling it a political erasure of a Congress-era welfare programme — the Opposition sees a potent opportunity to reconnect with the rural electorate that once formed its core vote base. Rising LPG prices, power tariff hikes, and unfulfilled paddy procurement promises have added further fuel to the protest.

Senior Leaders on the Ground

The mobilisation signals a concerted effort by the Congress high command to maintain pressure on the BJP government. State Congress President Deepak Baij chaired a strategy review meeting in Raipur on Sunday alongside AICC in-charge secretaries to finalise the march's logistics and messaging.

The March Route

Thousands of Congress workers and supporters are gathering at Bharat Mata Chowk on Canal Road in Shankar Nagar, Raipur. At noon, the crowd is set to march in the direction of the state assembly building. Raipur police have issued a traffic advisory ahead of the demonstration, warning of disruptions along Canal Road between Shanti Nagar Tiraha and Bharat Mata Chowk, and from Bharat Mata Chowk to Anand Nagar Chowk.

Traffic Diversions in Effect

Vehicles coming from Pandri will be diverted via Shanti Nagar, Madhu Pille Chowk, and IG Office lane towards Shankar Nagar. Those heading from Anand Nagar Chowk towards Pandri are advised to use the Bhagat Singh Chowk, Ambedkar Chowk, and Oxygen Zone route.

Congress's Broader Strategy

Beyond the immediate grievances, political analysts see the gherao as Congress testing its post-election ground mobilisation machinery. With assembly elections still a few years away, the party is keen to demonstrate that it remains an active, street-credible opposition rather than a dormant force. The participation of national figures like Pilot alongside state stalwarts like Baghel sends a clear signal: this is not a purely local affair — it is backed by the party's central leadership.

Earlier in Bilaspur, NSUI, Youth Congress, and Congress workers had already marched to the collectorate under the same Manrega Bachao Sangram banner, briefly clashing with police who erected barricades near the State Bank branch. That episode has only added momentum to today's larger mobilisation.