Karnataka Minister Mahadevappa has launched a scathing attack on the central government, announcing state-wide protests against a new legislation. He condemned the move as an attempt to erase Mahatma Gandhi's legacy, calling it a "global insult." The minister's strong remarks were made in Mysuru on January 12, 2026.
Unconstitutional Replacement of MGNREGA Alleged
The core of the minister's accusation centers on the VB-G RAM G Act. Mahadevappa claims this new act is being used by the BJP government to replace the longstanding MGNREGA scheme. He emphasized that MGNREGA was introduced by the Congress-led UPA government back in 2005. According to the minister, this replacement is being done in an "unconstitutional way."
He argued that this action directly violates the fundamental rights of Indian citizens. The Right to Work and the Right to Live are under threat, according to his statement. This framing positions the issue not just as a political dispute, but as a matter of basic constitutional guarantees for the people.
Protests Announced Against the Central Move
In response to these perceived injustices, Minister Mahadevappa has declared that protests will be organized. The announcement signals a significant escalation in the political confrontation between the state's ruling party and the central government. The protests aim to mobilize public opinion against the implementation of the VB-G RAM G Act.
The minister's language was particularly sharp when linking the issue to Mahatma Gandhi. By stating that "erasing Gandhi is a global insult," he connects the current policy change to a broader symbolic and ideological battle. This rhetoric is likely designed to resonate deeply with the party's base and Gandhian thinkers across the nation.
A Deepening Political Confrontation
This development highlights the ongoing tensions in Indian federal politics. A state minister openly accusing the central government of unconstitutional acts and violating citizen rights marks a serious charge. The move to replace a flagship social welfare scheme like MGNREGA is a politically sensitive issue with direct implications for rural employment and livelihoods.
The announcement sets the stage for a new wave of political agitation in Karnataka. The coming days will reveal the scale and impact of the planned protests. The controversy also puts the spotlight back on the legacy of MGNREGA and the ongoing debate around welfare schemes and workers' rights in the country.
