Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Shivraj Tangadagi has strongly criticized the Union government's recent changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. (MGNREGA), which was replaced by the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) commonly referred to as the VB-G RAM G or G RAM G Act/Bill (enacted in December 2025).
In a sharp attack during a press conference in Koppal (January 11, 2026), Tangadagi described the new legislation as not Rama's Bill, but Godse's Bill, drawing a parallel between the renaming/removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the scheme and Nathuram Godse's assassination of Gandhi in 1948.Shining Diva Fashion Royal Blue Crystal CZ Silver Plated Stylish Bracelet Gift for Girls Women(9576b)
He accused the BJP-led Centre of "assassinating Mahatma Gandhi for the second time" by erasing his legacy from a key rural employment program originally enacted in 2005 to provide guaranteed wage work to the rural poor.
Tangadagi highlighted stark differences between the old MGNREGA (a demand-driven, rights-based law guaranteeing 100 days of employment) and the new framework, which he claimed is anti-poor, reduces enforceable rights, and limits opportunities even for educated youth who previously relied on the scheme for livelihood. Also Read: SC/ST Reservation Increase: High Court Hurdle to State Government's Decision Exceeding 50% Limit..?
He argued that the changes betray rural laborers, women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, who form a major beneficiary group (over 12 crore workers nationally, including 6+ crore women and significant numbers in Karnataka).
The minister's remarks echo broader opposition criticism (from Congress and others) since December 2025, when the VB-G RAM G Bill was introduced and passed amid protests, with claims it centralizes control, shifts from statutory guarantees to discretionary provisions, and increases fiscal burdens on states while diluting worker protections despite the Centre's claim of expanding workdays to 125 and aligning with "Gandhian ideals" for village development.Also Read:MUDA Scam: Former Commissioner's Future to Be Decided Today; Important Verdict from High Court..!