Karnataka Government's Controversial MGNREGA Advertisement Sparks Legislative Chaos
A full-page advertisement published by Karnataka's Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department (RDPR) has ignited a fierce political storm in the state's Legislative Assembly. The ad, which criticized the central government's move to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), triggered heated debates, an hour-long adjournment, and ultimately led to a walkout by Opposition MLAs on Thursday.
Content of the Controversial Advertisement
The advertisement appeared on the front pages of major newspapers across Karnataka, declaring that the VB-G RAM G legislation introduced by the Union Government represents a "death knell to the powers of Gram Panchayat and employment guarantee." Accompanying the text was an eight-panel comic strip featuring a fictional dialogue between Mahatma Gandhi and a citizen named "Sanghappa"—widely interpreted as a veiled reference to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In the comic, Gandhi questions the changes under VB-G RAM G while Sanghappa defends the new legislation.
Assembly Proceedings Descend into Chaos
Immediately after Question Hour concluded, BJP and JD(S) legislators brandished copies of the advertisement in the House, vehemently condemning the state government's decision to publish it. BJP MLA Suresh Kumar led the charge, accusing the government of "loot of tax money collected from the public." JD(S) MLA C B Suresh Babu demanded the immediate withdrawal of the ad, while independent MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal warned that it could damage Centre-state relations.
RDPR Minister defended the advertisement, arguing that the VB-G RAM G Act was passed unilaterally and imposed unnecessary burdens on the state. However, his explanation was repeatedly interrupted by Opposition members criticizing the government, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the proceedings for an hour.
Post-Adjournment Confrontation and Walkout
When the House reconvened, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka escalated the confrontation by declaring the advertisement illegal. "Is it not disrespectful to use Gandhi's image for such ads? If you want to issue such advertisements, do it using Congress party funds," he asserted, accusing the treasury benches of misusing taxpayer money.
In a sharp retort, IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge countered by questioning whether the use of Gandhi's image in central government advertisements also constituted misuse. He cited examples of government funds in Gujarat being used to publish birthday wishes for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dissatisfied with this response, Ashoka, along with other BJP and JD(S) legislators, staged a dramatic walkout from the Assembly.
Broader Political Implications
The controversy highlights the deepening political rift between the Karnataka government and the Opposition over federalism, fiscal responsibility, and ideological symbolism. The use of Mahatma Gandhi's image in political advertising has become a particularly sensitive flashpoint, with both sides accusing each other of appropriation and misuse. The incident also underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the replacement of MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G scheme, which remains a contentious issue in rural employment policy.
