Bengaluru, Jan 26 (NationPress) The Congress party in Karnataka is set to organize a ‘Raj Bhavan Chalo’ protest on Tuesday, voicing opposition to the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

On Monday, Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president D.K. Shivakumar revealed this plan after participating in Republic Day festivities at the party's headquarters in Bengaluru.

“It is alarming that the Right to Work has been compromised with the abolition of MGNREGA, which was established in honor of Mahatma Gandhi. We are protesting nationwide, and as part of this movement, we will launch the Raj Bhavan Chalo initiative on Tuesday,” stated Shivakumar.

He mentioned that the protest would be succeeded by padyatras of at least five kilometers in every taluk. “We have directed our representatives and leaders at the gram panchayat level to actively engage in these protest marches,” he added.

Shivakumar asserted that the state had been allocating approximately Rs 6,000 crore each year for rural development and job creation under MGNREGA. He criticized the proposed ‘Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)’ (VB-G RAM G) scheme for being inconsistent with the essence of MGNREGA.

“We will also hold protests at the Vidhana Soudha. We are ready to propose a resolution in the state legislature and seek a comprehensive discussion on this matter. We will demand the retraction of the VB-G RAM G Act and persist in our protests, similar to our efforts until the Centre rescinded the farm laws,” he declared.

Regarding participation in the protest, Shivakumar emphasized that even with both Parliament and the state Assembly in session, the Congress would proceed with the agitation. “The BJP and JD(S) are silent on this crucial issue. As a legislator representing a rural constituency, I challenge their silence. Who will finance the states? The Centre must allocate funds in the Union Budget,” he questioned.

Describing MGNREGA as a constitutional right, Shivakumar affirmed the party's commitment to continue its struggle until the decision is reversed. “District ministers will partake in five-kilometer protest marches alongside local body representatives. We will fight under the leadership of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi,” he noted.

He also insisted that those willing to work should receive job cards. “Some leaders have dared us to debate. Let them come; we will respond in the Assembly,” he added.

Extending his Republic Day greetings, Shivakumar emphasized the Congress government’s dedication to upholding the Constitution and fostering awareness among schoolchildren and youth about its principles.

In response to former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda's comments on the arrest of his son, JD(S) MLA H.D. Revanna, Shivakumar remarked that the law is applicable to everyone.

Reacting to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's assertion that people wish to see him as Chief Minister, Shivakumar retorted, “On this significant day, why discuss something negative?”

He added, “We are in public service to help the citizens of the state, not our families. If they forget us, they will lose sleep. That's why they constantly remember me.”