Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar criticized BJP leaders, stating they have lost the moral right to protest near Mahatma Gandhi’s statue. He highlighted that removing Gandhi’s name from the MGNREGA rural employment scheme was disrespectful, especially during the 100th anniversary of Gandhi becoming Congress President. Shivakumar vowed to protest until the VB-G RAM G legislation is withdrawn, emphasizing the adverse impact on rural development and the fishing community in coastal Karnataka.
Shivakumar pointed out that the new legislation limits the development opportunities previously available under MGNREGA, such as building homes and sheds for livestock. He expressed concern over the shift towards the Pradhan Mantri Awas scheme and criticized the BJP for taking away the benefits rural communities had gained through MGNREGA. The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the importance of MGNREGA in empowering farmers to improve their lands and questioned the decision to give such rights to contractors under the new scheme.
