Karnataka Congress Protests Against Central Government's Changes to Employment Scheme
In a significant protest, Karnataka Congress leaders gathered at Suvarna Soudha to oppose the central government's renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar highlighted the historical importance of the National Herald and questioned the BJP's motives behind the name change. The protest, which included various party members, aimed to address the perceived undermining of a successful employment initiative. As the government introduces new legislation, the Congress plans to escalate their efforts, raising critical questions about employment guarantees and the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
| Dec 17, 2025, 12:17 IST
Congress Leaders Demonstrate in Belagavi
Karnataka Congress leaders staged a protest on Wednesday near the statue of Gandhi at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi, opposing the central government's actions regarding the National Herald case and the decision to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to VB-G Ram G. During the demonstration, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar emphasized that the National Herald is tied to India's freedom struggle. He stated, "The National Herald is a source of pride for the nation, established by Jawaharlal Nehru during the independence movement," while questioning the actions of central agencies in this matter.
Protest Participation and Allegations Against BJP
The protest, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, saw participation from ministers, legislators, and members of the legislative council. M.B. Patil, the state's minister for large and medium industries, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being unable to accept the success of the program and thus changing its name. He remarked, "This successful initiative was launched by Dr. Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi. It has provided local employment opportunities for those unable to migrate for work, while also fostering development in villages."
Concerns Over Name Change and Future Protests
Patil described the program as one of the most successful in India's history, asserting that the BJP's inability to handle its success led to the name change. He questioned, "Why remove Mahatma Gandhi's name, the Father of the Nation who fought for our freedom, when it was already part of the scheme? The BJP is desperate; they couldn't tolerate the program's success and have stooped so low." Similar protests are planned at district and taluk centers across the state, and the party intends to raise these issues in the state assembly.
Legislative Changes and Court Developments
The Congress protests coincided with the government's introduction of the 'Developed India-G Ram G Bill, 2025' in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, which aims to replace MGNREGA. Additionally, a Delhi court declined to acknowledge the Enforcement Directorate's money laundering charges against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and five others in the National Herald case.
Details of the New Employment Bill
The bill presented by the agriculture minister guarantees 125 days of wage employment for every rural family, an increase from the current 100 days, specifically for adult members willing to engage in unskilled physical labor. According to Section 22 of the bill, the funding pattern between the central and state governments will be 60:40, while for northeastern states, Himalayan states, and union territories (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir), it will be 90:10. Section 6 of the bill allows state governments to notify a total of sixty days in a financial year, including key agricultural seasons for sowing and harvesting, during which no work will commence or be completed under the bill.