Karnataka Deputy CM Criticizes Central Government Over National Herald Case

Criticism of the Central Government

On Wednesday, D.K. Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, strongly criticized the central government and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the National Herald case. He emphasized that the National Herald was established by Jawaharlal Nehru during the freedom struggle and is a source of pride for the nation.

While addressing reporters during a protest in Belagavi, Shivakumar questioned, “Why have I not yet received a copy of the FIR?” He further stated that the image of the Enforcement Directorate has been tarnished.

Protests Against Government Decisions

Karnataka Congress leaders organized a protest near the Gandhi statue 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 V.B.-G. Ramji.

The protest highlighted the government's move to change the name of MGNREGA, with Congress leaders accusing the BJP-led government of undermining Mahatma Gandhi's legacy and devaluing a significant welfare scheme.

Support for MGNREGA

Karnataka Minister M.B. Patil remarked that Mahatma Gandhi is the Father of the Nation and praised MGNREGA as a successful initiative that has created local employment across rural India.

He noted that the program was initiated under the leadership of Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, and criticized the BJP for its inability to accept this success, leading to the name change.

Opposition's Response

In response to the nationwide protests by Congress, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, criticized the party, claiming that historically, Congress has been opposed to Mahatma Gandhi. He alleged that Gandhi once advised dissolving Congress after independence, arguing that it should no longer function as a political party.