MLC Pratap Simha Nayak Defends Central Scheme Renaming, Hits Out at Congress
MLC Pratap Simha Nayak strongly defended the central government's decision to rename the job guarantee scheme. He made these remarks during a press conference held in Mangaluru on Tuesday.
Nayak explained that the scheme's name was changed from MGNREGS to the VB-G RAM G scheme. He emphasized that this change honors Mahatma Gandhi's beloved Ram. "Why is there misinformation about this? We did not disrespect Gandhi in any way," Nayak stated clearly.
Addressing Shortcomings in the Previous Scheme
The MLC provided detailed reasons for the overhaul. He pointed out that schemes typically undergo revisions every twenty years. The MGNREGS had several significant issues according to Nayak.
- Large machinery was often used instead of providing genuine employment opportunities.
- There were approximately ten lakh complaints about irregularities in wage payments.
- These problems necessitated structural changes to the program.
Nayak challenged the opposition Congress party to discuss the matter in Parliament. "Since it is a central scheme, and if possible, the opposition Congress should discuss it in Parliament," he said. He accused them of avoiding constructive debate. "But they are not interested in that, as misleading people is their main objective," Nayak alleged.
He specifically criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. "Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, instead of engaging in discussions, goes on foreign trips," Nayak remarked.
Criticism of State Government's Priorities
Nayak also commented on the recent winter session of the state legislature. The session took place at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi.
He expressed disappointment with the government's focus. Instead of discussing pressing issues affecting North Karnataka and the state, the government concentrated on leadership speculation. The discussion centered on who would become the next chief minister.
"Despite being a constructive opposition and requesting in writing to extend the session by two days for discussion, the govt did not approve it," Nayak added. BJP leaders Sathish Kumpala and Manjula Rao attended the press conference.
BJP Spokesperson Slams State's Hate Speech Legislation
In a separate development, BJP state spokesperson Surabhi Hodigere raised concerns about the state government's proposed hate speech law. She spoke to reporters in Udupi on Tuesday.
Allegations of Curtailing Free Speech
Hodigere argued that the state government is attempting to restrict citizens' freedom of speech. She stated this move contradicts the Supreme Court's directives. The court has clearly ruled that no laws should violate fundamental rights.
"She told reporters on Tuesday that the authority to evaluate what constitutes hate speech lies with the judiciary, and there are already references to this in the Indian Penal Code," the spokesperson explained.
However, Hodigere claimed the state government is not following central law. "The state govt, instead of adhering to central law, considered speech as a non-bailable offence to suppress political opponents," she alleged.
The law allows for preventive arrests based on potential hate speech. Hodigere criticized this approach. "This is not the right way to enforce the law," she asserted.
She mentioned that opposition leaders have already highlighted the potential for misuse. They brought these concerns to the attention of the governor.
