In a significant show of political strength, the Congress government in Karnataka staged a major demonstration on Wednesday, directly challenging the policies and actions of the central government. The protest, spearheaded by the state's top leadership, focused on two contentious issues: the alleged renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and what they term 'hate politics' in the National Herald case.
Top Leadership Leads Demonstration at Vidhana Soudha
The protest was led by none other than Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The chosen venue was symbolic – in front of the Gandhi statue at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, where the state legislature's winter session is currently underway. The demonstration witnessed robust participation from a wide section of the state's political class.
A large gathering of state ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) joined the two leaders to register their collective dissent. This united front from the ruling party members highlighted the seriousness with which the state government views these central actions, framing them as an attack on legacy schemes and opposition voices.
Dual Issues Fueling the Political Fire
The protesters raised slogans and held placards targeting two primary grievances. The first and more prominent issue was the central government's reported move to change the name of the MGNREGA scheme. The Congress leaders accused the BJP-led Union government of attempting to erase the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi by removing his name from the flagship rural jobs guarantee program. They emphasized that the scheme is a lifeline for millions and its original name must be preserved.
The second major point of contention was the ongoing National Herald case. The Karnataka Congress leadership, aligning with the party's national narrative, condemned the legal proceedings as a prime example of "hate politics" and political vendetta aimed at targeting the Gandhi family and the opposition. They argued that such actions divert attention from pressing public issues and vitiate the political atmosphere.
Implications and Political Messaging
This protest, occurring during the legislature session, sends a strong political message both within Karnataka and at the national level. It firmly positions the state's Congress government in opposition to key policies of the Centre, setting the stage for increased political friction. The event also serves to consolidate the party's stance and mobilize its cadre around these emotive issues.
By choosing December 17, 2025, as the date for this demonstration and holding it at the heart of the state's legislative activity in Belagavi, the Congress has ensured maximum visibility for its campaign. The protest underscores the continuing political tensions between the Congress-ruled state and the BJP-led central government, with both sides digging in their heels on symbolic and substantive matters of policy and legacy.
