Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced that nearly 6,000 Gram Panchayat offices across the state, which serve as the focal points of rural development, will henceforth be named after 'Mahatma Gandhi.' He shared this significant decision during the 'Mahatma Gandhi MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' protest held at Freedom Park in Bengaluru.

A Resolve to Immortalize Gandhiji's Name

Providing details on the initiative, D.K. Shivakumar said, "It was Gandhiji’s dream that every village should have a school, a panchayat, and a cooperative society. Following a request from KPCC Vice President V.S. Ugrappa and his team, we have decided to name the panchayats after Mahatma Gandhi. A proposal has been submitted to the Chief Minister to ensure Gandhi's name remains permanent in rural India."

Blow to MGNREGA: DCM Lashes Out at Centre

The DCM expressed outrage that the current NDA government is gradually dismantling the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme, which was originally introduced by the UPA government.

* Funding Cuts: Previously, the Central Government provided 90% of the funding. However, under the new rules, the Centre will bear 60% while the State must cover 40%.

* Pending Dues: He alleged that the Central Government has withheld thousands of crores in MGNREGA grants, calling it a direct hit to the livelihood of poor laborers.

* Special Session: He announced that the State Government would hold a two-day special session to discuss the changes in the scheme's structure and the funding issues.

"BJP Has No Right to Sit Before Gandhi’s Statue"

Taking a sharp dig at BJP leaders, D.K. Shivakumar said, "You belong to the ideology that killed Gandhiji. The BJP, which is trying to erase Gandhi’s name, has no moral right to sit in protest before his statue or even keep his photograph in their offices."

Challenge to Debate and Padayatra Announcement

Noting that even NDA ally Chandrababu Naidu has raised concerns about the Centre's new rules, the DCM challenged the BJP and H.D. Kumaraswamy to come forward for a debate.

Outline of the Upcoming Struggle:

1. A 5 km Padayatra will be organized at the taluk level, bringing together MGNREGA workers from every panchayat.

2. The protest will be intensified under the leadership of district-in-charge ministers and legislators.

3. The struggle will continue until the Central Government stops usurping the rights of farmers and laborers.