Both Houses of the Karnataka legislature passed a resolution condemning the Centre’s introduction of the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act. The resolution demanded the restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in its original form. The resolution faced opposition from members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular).
The BJP deemed the resolution against the VB-G RAM G Act in the Legislative Assembly as illegal. Opposition party members staged a walkout in protest against the resolution. The Speaker and Chairman of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council respectively declared the resolution opposing VB-G RAM G as accepted, with votes in favor of the ruling Congress government.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Minister Priyank Kharge highlighted the lack of clarity on the newly introduced VB-G RAM G Act in the Legislative Assembly. He pointed out that even BJP leaders were unaware of the specifics of the Act. The Central government’s alteration of the MGNREGA Act was criticized by Minister Priyank Kharge, who emphasized the transparency of the previous scheme.
Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, criticized the VB-G RAM G Act, alleging that it hindered illegal activities by Congress agents. He accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of making the decision in violation of rules. Ashoka highlighted the misuse of funds under the employment guarantee scheme and opposed the resolution, advocating for the restoration of the original MGNREGA scheme.
