The Congress party is gearing up for a massive 'Raj Bhavan Chalo' protest on January 27, aimed at fighting the replacement of the MGNREGA with the new VB-G RAM G scheme. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced on Monday that the party is planning a statewide mobilisation, including five-kilometer foot marches in every taluk and protests at the panchayat level to save the rural employment guarantee.
Shivakumar did not hold back, accusing the Centre of trying to dismantle a constitutional right that has served rural India for two decades. While he joked that they probably should have marched on the BJP office instead, he confirmed the march would head to the Governor's residence. "This scheme was launched in Mahatma Gandhi’s name to guarantee work. Now that right is being snatched away," he said, adding that the struggle will mirror the protests against the farm laws until the new legislation is repealed.
The Deputy CM also expressed serious doubts about whether the new "Viksit Bharat" mission is even workable. Speaking from his own experience in rural politics, he questioned how the scheme would be funded and invited the opposition to a debate in the House. "We are ready to pass a formal resolution in the Assembly and will keep protesting under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi until MGNREGA is back," he asserted.
The tension between the state government and Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot also continues to simmer. Shivakumar addressed the controversy surrounding the January 22 joint session, where the Governor famously read only three lines of a 122-paragraph speech that contained sharp criticisms of the Centre. While the BJP has defended the Governor’s actions, Shivakumar noted that reading the government’s provided text is a constitutional duty. "The Governor could have at least stayed for the national anthem," he remarked, referring to allegations that Gehlot left prematurely.
Marking Republic Day, Shivakumar emphasised that the Congress remains the primary shield for the country's founding document. He pointed out that Karnataka has already made reading the Preamble mandatory in schools to ensure the next generation understands their rights. "Our government is committed at every level to safeguarding the Constitution," he said, framing the upcoming protests as part of that broader mission.
Also read: World views India through Bengaluru, says Shivakumar
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