Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday strongly criticised the Centre’s changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), saying the Congress government would challenge them in court and protest on the streets.
Shivakumar said the new changes “will not work,” highlighting that panchayats previously had the power to undertake water-related work, but now the Centre controls all decisions. He added that no state can bear 40% of the expenditure and that the Centre acted without consulting states. The Congress will also mobilise public opinion through district, division, and state-level meetings. “MGNREGA is the right to work and the right to live. It is a guarantee of employment given by the Congress party,” he said.
Defending National Herald, Shivakumar said the newspaper, established by Pandit Nehru, has historical significance and played a role in India’s freedom struggle. He denied any questions about Congress’s commitment to democracy despite reports that Karnataka spent heavily on National Herald advertisements.
On the political front, Shivakumar suggested that the JDS may merge with the BJP, calling it beneficial for Congress as it allows them to directly confront the BJP. Speaking at an event inducting Chamarajpet JDS leader Govindaraj into Congress, he welcomed the new leaders and highlighted growing interest in Congress candidates for the Greater Bengaluru Authority elections, urging aspirants to apply early to avoid delays.
