Congress in Karnataka Announces Gandhi Tribute Amid MGNREGA Controversy
In a significant political move, the Congress party in Karnataka has decided to rename all Gram Panchayats across the state after Mahatma Gandhi. This announcement came during the 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' rally held at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Tuesday, where senior leaders voiced strong opposition to recent central government decisions.
Siddaramaiah Criticizes Modi Government's Actions
Former Chief Minister and prominent Congress leader Siddaramaiah addressed the rally, launching a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led central government. He condemned the scrapping of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme, a flagship program that has provided livelihood security to millions in rural India.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that the removal of Gandhi's name from the new scheme is particularly disrespectful, given the Mahatma's legacy in advocating for rural empowerment and self-reliance. The Congress leader argued that these moves undermine the foundational principles of social justice and economic support for marginalized communities.
Symbolic Gesture to Honor Gandhi's Legacy
The decision to name Gram Panchayats after Mahatma Gandhi is seen as a symbolic counter to the central government's policies. By associating local governance units with Gandhi, the Congress aims to reinforce his ideals of village self-governance (Gram Swaraj) and rural development.
This initiative is expected to cover thousands of Gram Panchayats in Karnataka, making it one of the largest such tributes in recent times. The party plans to implement this renaming through resolutions in local bodies, leveraging its influence in panchayat administrations across the state.
Political Implications and Public Response
The rally at Freedom Park drew significant crowds, reflecting widespread concern over the MGNREGA repeal. Participants included farmers, laborers, and activists who depend on the scheme for employment and income stability.
Political analysts suggest that this move could galvanize support for the Congress in rural Karnataka, especially among communities directly affected by the scheme's discontinuation. It also positions the party as a defender of Gandhian values against perceived central overreach.
As the controversy unfolds, the renaming of Gram Panchayats is likely to become a focal point in Karnataka's political discourse, highlighting tensions between state and central policies on rural welfare.
