Congress Launches Statewide Protest Against MGNREGA Repeal in Karnataka
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has announced a major protest campaign against the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Congress party will organize five-kilometer padayatras in every constituency across the state. This move comes as part of a broader opposition to the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, commonly referred to as VB-G RAM G.
Panchayat-Level Mobilization and Key Events
Congress workers will take to the streets at the panchayat level to demand the reinstatement of MGNREGA. Shivakumar, who also serves as the chief of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, revealed these plans following a meeting organized by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in Delhi. He stated that resolutions against the repeal will be passed at all panchayats throughout Karnataka.
In a significant escalation, Shivakumar confirmed that Congress workers will either gherao the Karnataka BJP headquarters or the Raj Bhavan on January 27. This demonstration is expected to draw participation from key party figures, including Randeep Singh Surjewala, the AICC secretary in-charge of Karnataka. Indications suggest that AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal will also join the protests.
Government Response and Legislative Action
The Karnataka government has already taken legislative steps to address the issue. Following a special Cabinet meeting, a joint legislature session has been convened from January 22 to 30. A special discussion on the repeal of MGNREGA is scheduled during this session. Shivakumar emphasized that the state government "has already convened a special session to discuss the NREGA programme," highlighting the urgency of the matter.
Political Context and Leadership Dynamics
When questioned about his meetings with senior party leaders during his visit to Delhi, Shivakumar remained discreet. "We are politicians. We meet leaders of our party," he remarked, adding, "Time will answer everything." This statement comes amid reports that Shivakumar aspires to become Chief Minister by replacing Siddaramaiah, though he did not disclose specific details about his discussions.
The Congress's padayatra initiative underscores a concerted effort to mobilize grassroots support against the central government's decision. By focusing on panchayat-level activism and statewide marches, the party aims to galvanize public opinion and pressure authorities to reconsider the repeal of MGNREGA, a critical scheme for rural employment and livelihood security in Karnataka.
