Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the NDA government for replacing MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G Act. He accused the government of stripping rural workers’ rights and announced plans for a national protest. Siddaramaiah highlighted the issue in a joint press conference with Deputy CM Shivakumar, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the new law has been discussed at a recent Cabinet meeting. He compared the situation to the farmers’ protest and vowed to launch a similar struggle against the new legislation. Siddaramaiah stressed the importance of withdrawing the VB-G RAM G Act to protect the rights of the people and panchayats.
Referring to the BJP’s track record of renaming welfare schemes, Siddaramaiah criticized the changes made under the current government. He argued that the new law undermines decentralization and federalism, calling it unconstitutional. The Chief Minister urged the Centre to restore MGNREGA and uphold the autonomy of gram panchayats for the welfare of the people.
Siddaramaiah highlighted the financial burden the new Act would impose on the state government. He pointed out that the legislation was passed without adequate discussion, raising concerns about its impact on employment and vulnerable sections of society. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for a nationwide agitation to repeal the VB-G RAM G Act and protect the rights of the marginalized.
