Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday to discuss the new VB-G RAM G Act, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), ahead of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled for December 27. The meeting focused on the implications of the law for rural employment, farmers, and labourers, highlighting the state leadership’s concerns over the central government’s replacement scheme.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Shivakumar emphasised that the discussion was restricted to the new law and rural development, and not on political or leadership matters. “As the state Congress president, I have shared my thoughts regarding the law enacted by the Centre replacing MGNREGA. We have to fight, we are planning. All panchayat members and MGNREGA workers should come together and ensure that MGNREGA is restored and protect rural development,” he said.
Shivakumar also clarified that he had not discussed the chief ministerial post with Kharge. “There is no need to do it, I will not do it, there is no such thing for now. Siddaramaiah and I have said that we will work abiding by the high command's decision, and we are committed to it,” he said, referring to the ongoing speculation about leadership in the state Congress.
Responding to questions about his statement that he would remain a party worker, Shivakumar elaborated, “I'm a lifetime worker of the party. Whatever the post may be, I'm a worker of the party. I have tied the party flag, both as a party worker and President. I have pasted party posters, and I have done the sweeping work. I have done all things for the Congress party. I have not come just to sit and make speeches on the stage. I have done all the work for the party.”
When asked about when he might be rewarded for his work, Shivakumar declined to comment. “I won't answer such things,” he said.
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The meeting took place against the backdrop of growing attention on Karnataka’s rural employment law, with the Congress leadership preparing for the extended CWC session. The VB-G RAM G Act, Shivakumar argued, is detrimental for the poor, labourers, and farmers, and imposes a 40 per cent contribution from states, which he said would be unaffordable even for BJP-ruled states. “The Centre has removed Mahatma Gandhi’s name from MGNREGA and is trying to kill the scheme. We have to fight this. We are planning a big movement,” he said.
The Deputy CM stressed that the meeting with Kharge was aimed at preparing a coordinated response from the state leadership. “As the state Congress chief, I am responsible for planning and ensuring that all MGNREGA workers and panchayat members join the movement. Our focus is on rural development and protecting the livelihoods of people,” he said.
The meeting also came after Kharge on Sunday had said that the confusion over Karnataka’s leadership issue exists only at the local level and not with the high command. He urged state leaders to take ownership of internal disputes rather than blame the high command. Responding to this, Shivakumar said, “As a senior leader, he has given his guidance.”
Asked if he would be travelling to Delhi ahead of the CWC meeting, Shivakumar said he had no immediate plans. “If I'm called, I will go. I have not been called so far,” he said. On Siddaramaiah’s invitation to the CWC, Shivakumar said, “Maybe. I'm aware that three CMs (from Congress-ruled states) have been invited. Deputy CMs have not been called. State Congress Presidents are only called for the extended working committee meeting.”
Shivakumar reiterated that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have come to an understanding with the party high command and will abide by it. “We have clarified our positions and will work together, following the guidance of the high command,” he said.
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