Karnataka Chief Minister Announces Gandhi Naming for All Gram Panchayats During MGNREGA Protest
In a significant political development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that all gram panchayats across the state will be named after Mahatma Gandhi. The announcement came during a protest organized by the Karnataka Congress against the Central Government's repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru
The demonstration took place at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Tuesday, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed Congress workers and supporters. He emphasized that the Congress party would continue its vigorous opposition to the replacement of MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), commonly referred to as VB-G RAM G.
Siddaramaiah stated, "In the upcoming budget session, an official announcement to rename all gram panchayats after Gandhi will be made." This move is seen as a symbolic gesture to honor the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi amidst the controversy surrounding the employment guarantee scheme.
Delegation Meets Governor with Memorandum
Following the protest, a high-level delegation of Congress leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the party's general secretary in charge of Karnataka, met with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. They submitted a detailed memorandum outlining their demands and grievances.
The memorandum strongly criticized the VB-G RAM G, describing it as a "broad daylight murder" of the MGNREGA. It alleged that the new law represents an assault on the rights of poor and needy beneficiaries who previously relied on the employment scheme for livelihood support.
Allegations Against the Central Government
According to the Congress memorandum, the VB-G RAM G unleashes an eight-pronged attack on the rights and welfare of laborers. Key allegations include:
- The Narendra Modi Government has abdicated its responsibility to provide employment, effectively snatching "the right of workers to demand work."
- The new law centralizes all powers within the Central Government, undermining decentralization measures that were integral to MGNREGA.
- Features such as biometric authentication and geotagged attendance under VB-G RAM G are likely to exclude poor, illiterate, and digitally unaware workers from accessing benefits.
The memorandum concluded with a firm demand for the immediate restoration of the MGNREGA, urging the Central Government to reconsider its decision and prioritize the welfare of rural workers.
Background on the Protest
Originally, the Congress had planned a "Raj Bhavan Chalo" protest, but it was called off due to a Karnataka High Court order designating Freedom Park as the designated site for protests in Bengaluru. This adjustment did not dampen the party's resolve, as evidenced by the large turnout and strong statements made during the event.
The protest and subsequent meeting with the Governor highlight the ongoing political tensions between the Karnataka state government, led by the Congress, and the Central Government over key policies affecting rural employment and governance. The announcement regarding Gandhi naming adds a cultural and historical dimension to this political standoff, potentially resonating with voters and supporters across the state.
