Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced plans to convene a special session of the state legislature. The primary objective of this session is to pass a formal resolution urging the central government to fully restore and re-implement the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Meeting Sets the Stage for Legislative Action
The Chief Minister made this significant declaration during a crucial meeting of Congress legislators. The gathering was held at a hotel in Bengaluru on Thursday, 08 January 2026. The agenda was to discuss and strategize for the nationwide 'Save MGNREGA' mass movement, which is being spearheaded by the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
This high-level meeting underscores the ruling party's commitment to championing the flagship rural jobs scheme. Siddaramaiah's announcement transforms the party's internal discussions into a concrete plan for official state action.
The Core Demand: Re-implementation of MGNREGA
The proposed resolution from the Karnataka legislature will carry the weight of the state's elected assembly. It will formally demand the re-implementation of MGNREGA at its original strength and scope. The scheme, which guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households, has been a critical social safety net and a cornerstone of rural economy support.
By taking the issue to the legislative floor, the Karnataka government aims to apply institutional pressure on the central administration. The move signals a major political confrontation over a central government scheme, with the state positioning itself as a defender of rural workers' rights.
Political Implications and Next Steps
The call for a special session directly ties the state government's agenda to the AICC's nationwide 'Save MGNREGA' movement. This synchronizes state-level political machinery with the party's national campaign, creating a multi-layered strategy to revive the program.
The announcement by CM Siddaramaiah is expected to galvanize support among the party's base and put the opposition on the defensive regarding rural employment policies. It sets the stage for a significant political debate, both within Karnataka and on the national stage, focusing on economic welfare and federal relations.
While the exact date for the special session is yet to be announced, the Chief Minister's statement has firmly placed the issue at the top of the state's political calendar. All eyes will now be on the Vidhana Soudha as Karnataka prepares to make a formal, collective appeal to New Delhi.
