Congress Stages Major Protest in Kodagu Against Central Government's VB-G RAM G Act
The political landscape in Kodagu district heated up on Thursday as the District Congress Committee orchestrated a significant protest march in Ponnampet. The demonstration was a direct condemnation of the Union government's implementation of the VB-G RAM G Act, which protesters vehemently oppose.
Rally Draws Widespread Participation Across the District
Congress workers from various parts of Kodagu district converged for the rally, which commenced at the Mahatma Gandhi circle. The gathering saw active participation from numerous panchayat members, amplifying the scale of the protest. Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna officially flagged off the protest march, lending considerable political weight to the event.
Key Congress leaders, including District Committee President Dharmaja Uthappa, were prominently present throughout the rally, underscoring the party's unified stance against the newly enacted legislation.
Allegations of Anti-Poor Policies and Government Critique
During the protest, participants voiced strong allegations that the VB-G RAM G Act is designed to exploit economically disadvantaged sections of society. MLA AS Ponnanna delivered a scathing critique of the BJP-led NDA government, accusing it of abandoning the longstanding Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) scheme.
"The government has merely renamed the scheme to keep the poor in perpetual poverty," Ponnanna asserted. He further argued that the Union government has failed to provide satisfactory answers to critical questions raised by the Congress party regarding the act's implications.
The MLA emphasized that national development cannot be achieved through divisive tactics, stating, "India cannot be developed solely on the basis of emotions and hatred." This statement reflects broader concerns about the socio-economic impact of the policy change.
Broader Implications and Political Context
The protest highlights growing tensions between the ruling party and opposition forces in Karnataka's Kodagu region. The VB-G RAM G Act has become a focal point for political debate, with Congress positioning itself as a defender of welfare schemes for the underprivileged.
The demonstration's location in Ponnampet, a key area in Kodagu, signals the party's intent to mobilize grassroots support against policies it deems detrimental to rural and economically vulnerable populations.
