Congress Protests in karnataka Over VB-G ram Ji Scheme and National Herald Issue
Background of the Issue
The central government has introduced a bill in parliament to replace the mahatma gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) with a new scheme named VB-G ram Ji.
This move has triggered protests from opposition parties, especially the congress, which alleges that the government is diluting a landmark social welfare scheme.
The National Herald case has also become a focal point of protest, with congress accusing central agencies of political vendetta.
Karnataka congress Joins the Protest
Karnataka congress leaders staged a protest near the gandhi statue at Suvarna Soudha, Belagavi.
The protest was led by chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar.
Demonstrators condemned both the National Herald case and the proposed renaming of MNREGA.
Statement by deputy cm DK Shivakumar
DK Shivakumar emphasized the historical importance of the National Herald, calling it a symbol of India’s freedom struggle.
He stated that the newspaper was founded by jawaharlal nehru and questioned the role of central agencies in targeting it.
He accused the central government of undermining democratic institutions.
Opposition to Renaming MNREGA
Congress leaders claimed that renaming MNREGA amounts to an insult to mahatma Gandhi.
They alleged that the BJP-led government intends to weaken or abolish the employment guarantee scheme.
The party described the move as an attack on rural livelihoods and social justice.
Minister MB Patil’s Remarks
Karnataka minister MB Patil said MNREGA was a successful program initiated under manmohan Singh, sonia gandhi, and rahul Gandhi.
He accused the bjp of being unable to accept the success of the scheme and changing its name for political reasons.
BJP’s Counter-Argument
BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy accused congress of being anti-Gandhi.
He claimed gandhi had advised dissolving the congress after independence, questioning the party’s moral authority.
Key Provisions of the New Bill
Guarantees 125 days of wage employment, up from 100 days.
Fund-sharing ratio: 60:40 between Centre and states; 90:10 for northeastern, Himalayan states, and select Union Territories.
States may pre-notify 60 days during peak agricultural seasons when no work will be undertaken under the scheme.
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