Bengaluru, Feb 3 (NationPress) In the midst of tumult in the Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah introduced a resolution urging the Centre to revoke the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act and restore the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to its original status.

The opposition factions, namely the BJP and JD(S), strongly contested the resolution, voicing their dissent through slogans aimed at the state administration.

Despite the disruption, CM Siddaramaiah asserted, “With your (Speaker U.T. Khader’s) permission, I am presenting this resolution in the House. This House reaffirms its firm dedication to the essential principles of Indian democracy—the Panchayat Raj system and the decentralization of power.”

He emphasized that MGNREGA has been a crucial source of income for rural populations and plays a vital role in rural advancement. “This House takes the repeal of the MGNREGA Act with the utmost seriousness. The VB-G RAM G Act was imposed unilaterally by the Central government and contradicts the foundational aims of our federal system, adversely affecting rural communities,” he remarked.

Siddaramaiah highlighted that the MGNREGA Act was launched in 2005 by the UPA government under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to guarantee financial stability for impoverished rural families. “The initiative sought to eliminate unemployment, curb migration, ensure wage parity irrespective of gender, and bolster decentralized governance via Panchayats. It initiated transformative changes,” he pointed out.

He further noted that the new Act infringes upon Article 21 of the Constitution, which protects the right to life and livelihood, and undermines the autonomy of Panchayats as established by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.

“The VB-G RAM G Act undermines Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj. Additionally, Articles 258 and 280 are clearly contravened. Karnataka ranks second in the nation regarding tax contributions,” the Chief Minister stated.

“For these reasons, this House vehemently opposes the Centre’s decision. Given the gravity of the situation, the Centre must promptly withdraw the VB-G RAM G Act and restore MGNREGA in its original form,” Siddaramaiah insisted through the resolution.

Throughout the Chief Minister’s address, BJP and JD(S) members disrupted the proceedings, labeling the Congress administration a “loot government” and persistently demanding the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur over alleged excise scams.

A frustrated Siddaramaiah called upon the Speaker and Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka to manage the members. “We will not acquiesce to any future requests (from the opposition). Mr. Speaker, either have them sit down or remove those who refuse to comply,” he stated.

Senior BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar insisted that the Excise Minister should first address the allegations. The Chief Minister responded that the Minister was prepared to answer later in the evening. Speaker Khader instructed the Minister to provide a response.

Sunil Kumar further insisted on the Minister's resignation prior to addressing the resolution. Siddaramaiah countered, “Can a resignation be demanded based on false allegations?”

As the sloganeering persisted, the Chief Minister expressed his exasperation and urged the Speaker not to involve him in discussions with the opposition, remarking, “There is no dignity in this House.”

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka contested the Chief Minister, asserting that the resolution was passed by the House and should be identified as a Congress government resolution. Siddaramaiah maintained that the House had endorsed it, which Ashoka disputed.

The Speaker clarified that opposition members would have the opportunity to express their opinions during the discussion and urged them not to disrupt proceedings. BJP members continued to assert that the resolution represented solely the government’s perspective, accusing Congress of misappropriating public funds.

Losing his temper again, Siddaramaiah remarked, “I cannot endure this,” and encouraged Congress members to rise and counter the opposition, adding, “We have the majority.”

As the House descended into further disorder, Speaker U.T. Khader adjourned the session.

When the House reconvened, Speaker Khader explained that if a resolution is unanimously passed, it is recorded as such; if opposed, it is still considered a resolution passed by the House, following established protocols. He advised the opposition to engage in the debate rather than obstruct proceedings.

Later, Siddaramaiah remarked, “I have been a member of this House for 42 years. This House encompasses both the ruling party and the opposition. Let them oppose.”