Following a high-level state cabinet meeting on January 9, 2026, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil announced that the state is moving toward conducting long-pending Gram Panchayat elections. The Minister also declared a "legal and public war" against the Central Government’s decision to rename and restructure the MGNREGA scheme.

Panchayat Polls on the Horizon

Addressing a press conference, H.K. Patil noted that several local bodies have urged the state government to approach the Supreme Court to facilitate early elections.

Cabinet Decision: The state cabinet has discussed the legal hurdles and intends to fast-track the polling process to restore local governance.

Special Session: A special legislative session is likely to be discussed in the next cabinet meeting scheduled for January 22 to address these decentralized administrative issues.

The MGNREGA Controversy: 'VBG Ram G' Scheme Under Fire

The Minister launched a scathing attack on the NDA government for rebranding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as the Vikasit Bharat Gramin (VBG Ram G) Yojana.

Key Grievances Raised by the State:

Erosion of Decentralization: Minister Patil alleged that the Centre is dismantling the decentralization system, stripping powers away from local Panchayats.

Impact on the Poor: He claimed the new structure snatching away the rights of laborers and the rural poor, shifting work execution from local bodies to centralized agencies.

Legal Battle: The Karnataka government has decided to take legal action against this restructuring, asserting that it sabotages rural agriculture and employment.

"The Centre is attempting to centralize everything through agencies under the guise of 'Vikasit Bharat,' effectively stalling local agricultural work. We will fight this legally and through public protests," Patil stated. Also Read: AI DeepFake Trap: Bengaluru Techie Extorted of ₹1.5 Lakh in 'Se*xtortion' Nightmare!