Former Karnataka minister B Sriramulu has launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, accusing it of deliberately misrepresenting the Union government's recent reforms to the rural employment guarantee scheme. He asserted that the opposition is attempting to mislead the public about the updated Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
New Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission
Sriramulu, speaking in Ballari, stated that the central government introduced significant revisions to address considerable corruption in the earlier implementation of MGNREGA. The scheme has been revamped as the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, or VB-G RAM G.
He outlined key improvements under the new framework. The cap on working days has been raised from 100 to 125 days, providing more employment security. To enhance transparency and curb leakages, employment guarantee funds are now transferred directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts, eliminating intermediaries. Additionally, the wage rates for workers have been increased.
"While citizens embraced the changes associated with the new name, the Congress continues to harbour its biases," Sriramulu commented.
Sharp Political Attack on Congress Leadership
The former minister escalated his criticism by drawing a stark contrast between historical and contemporary figures. He equated Mahatma Gandhi with Lord Ram, stating that if Gandhiji represents a visible deity, Ram symbolises an invisible one, emphasising their essential unity.
"Gandhiji was instrumental in securing Independence for the nation. However, the current impostors claiming to be Gandhis are embezzling funds," he alleged. Sriramulu claimed these leaders are staging protests nationwide to defame Prime Minister Narendra Modi, dismissing all such actions as "nonsense." He made a bold prediction, saying, "The Congress will be entirely eradicated from the country in the near future."
Comments on State Issues and Border Schools
Shifting focus to state matters, Sriramulu also commented on the recent incident in Hubballi where a woman was stripped and assaulted. He held the Congress-led state government responsible for the victim's humiliation, implying a failure in maintaining law and order.
Furthermore, he urged authorities to take necessary action to protect Kannada-medium schools in border regions, specifically mentioning areas adjoining Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. This highlights ongoing linguistic and cultural concerns in Karnataka's border zones.
The statements from the prominent BJP leader set a combative political tone, defending central policies while launching a multi-pronged offensive against the ruling party in the state and the national opposition.
