A major political confrontation has unfolded in Tamil Nadu between Chief Minister M K Stalin and opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami. The clash centers on the Union government's controversial proposal to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as VB-GRAM-G.
The Core of the Controversy
Chief Minister M K Stalin launched a sharp critique against AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, questioning his position on the central government's initiative. Stalin accused Palaniswami of aligning with the BJP government by supporting a scheme that, according to the CM, undermines the interests of MGNREGA beneficiaries. He challenged the opposition leader's claim of representing farmers, arguing that the proposed change directly threatens the livelihoods of the rural poor and jeopardizes the future of the 100-day employment guarantee program.
Drawing parallels with the repealed farm laws and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Stalin alleged a pattern of unquestioning support from the AIADMK leader towards Union Home Minister Amit Shah, at the expense of Tamil Nadu's interests. "Will he (Palaniswami) once again endorse the BJP govt's agenda without a word of protest?" Stalin questioned. He further framed the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name and the Hindi renaming as an act of "Hindi imposition," asking why the AIADMK was reluctant to oppose it and whether former CM J Jayalalithaa would have accepted such a move.
AIADMK's Counter and Broader Condemnation
In response, Edappadi K Palaniswami clarified that while he welcomed the extension of working days from 100 to 125, he wanted the scheme to continue under its existing name. He also turned the tables by questioning Stalin's failure to deliver on his own pre-poll promise of extending work days to 150 under MGNREGS.
The controversy has drawn reactions from other political quarters. Senior Congress leader and former Union finance minister P Chidambaram issued a strong condemnation, stating, "Erasing Mahatma Gandhi's name and implementing a new law, a new scheme is more heinous than assassinating Gandhiji himself." Meanwhile, VCK and left parties in Tamil Nadu have announced a state-wide protest on December 23 to condemn the name change.
MDMK General Secretary Vaiko echoed the sentiment, asserting that the BJP's move to alter the scheme's name reveals its hatred towards Mahatma Gandhi.
Political Repercussions and State-Wide Protests
The debate has escalated beyond mere political rhetoric, highlighting deep-seated concerns about federalism, cultural imposition, and social welfare. The announcement of protests by allied parties indicates that this issue is set to become a significant rallying point against the central government's policies in Tamil Nadu. The war of words between the two dominant Dravidian parties underscores the intense political positioning ahead of future elections, with each side seeking to claim the mantle of protecting Tamil Nadu's interests and legacy.
