Congress to Stage 100-Km Protest March in Dakshina Kannada Over MGNREGS Revisions
The Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee (DCC) has announced a major four-day padayatra covering 100 kilometers from Sullia to Mulki, scheduled from February 9 to 12. This significant protest march is being organized in direct opposition to the central government's recent modifications to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), which notably includes the controversial removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the program.
High-Profile Participation and March Details
DCC president Harish Kumar confirmed the event during a press briefing on Thursday, revealing that several prominent Congress leaders will actively participate across different days. The list of participants includes Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, along with ministers Dinesh Gundu Rao, Santosh Lad, Priyank Kharge, and Krishna Byre Gowda, among other key figures. The march is set to commence at 8:30 AM on February 9 from Gandhinagar in Sullia, with the first leg concluding at Kumbra Junction.
The subsequent days will see the procession continue along a meticulously planned route:
- February 10: From Kumbra to Mani
- February 11: From Kalladka to Farangipete
- February 12: From Lalbagh in Mangaluru to Mulki
Harish Kumar emphasized that all necessary logistical and organizational preparations have been thoroughly completed to ensure the smooth execution of this large-scale demonstration.
Daily Schedule and Strategic Objectives
Each day of the padayatra is designed to cover a distance of approximately 25 to 28 kilometers. The daily schedule will begin with breakfast, followed by the march starting at 8:30 AM. Participants will walk until 6:00 PM, with a designated lunch break at 2:00 PM. At the conclusion of each day's journey, a public gathering will be held, featuring speeches and interactions with Congress leaders, party workers, and the general public.
The primary aim of this extensive march, as articulated by Harish Kumar, is to raise awareness among the populace about what he described as the central government's deceitful actions. The protest seeks to highlight concerns over the amendments to MGNREGS, which critics argue could undermine the welfare of rural workers and the poor.
Criticism of the VB-G RAM G Act and Broader Implications
Adding to the chorus of dissent, MLC Ivan D'Souza strongly criticized the central government for what he termed the hasty implementation of the VB-G RAM G Act without adequate parliamentary discussion or public consultation. D'Souza asserted that the government's underlying intention is not only to erase Mahatma Gandhi's name from a widely recognized and popular program but also to further impoverish vulnerable communities who rely on such schemes for livelihood support.
He vowed that the Congress party and its supporters would persist in their struggle until the contentious act is repealed, signaling a sustained campaign against the policy changes. The presence of former MLA JR Lobo at the announcement further underscored the collective resolve and broad-based support within the party for this initiative.
This padayatra represents a significant mobilization effort by the Congress in Dakshina Kannada, aiming to galvanize public opinion and apply pressure on the central government to reconsider its approach to MGNREGS and honor the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi in social welfare programs.
