Gadag (Karnataka), Feb 8 (NationPress) The former Chief Minister and BJP Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai has accused the Congress-led state administration of trying to disconnect Mahatma Gandhi from Lord Ram. He has called for a widespread awareness initiative to emphasize the advantages of the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G) scheme, while also alleging corruption within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

During a meeting focused on the implementation and public awareness of the VB-G RAM G scheme, which was arranged by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s district unit at their Gadag office, Bommai remarked that Mahatma Gandhi is the essence of the nation, while Ram embodies the spirit of Gandhi. He stated, “It is impossible to separate the two, yet the state government is attempting to do just that.”

Bommai asserted that India has derived two fundamental tenets from Mahatma Gandhi: “Satyameva Jayate” and the practice of fasting for truth. He accused the Congress of exploiting the legacy of Gandhi while neglecting his principles, claiming that Indira Gandhi had no familial ties to Mahatma Gandhi. Bommai criticized the Congress for historically engaging in politics under Gandhi's name without adhering to his values.

He further alleged that the Congress has shown disrespect towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, mentioning that Ambedkar faced electoral defeats, was compelled to resign from the cabinet, and was denied land in Delhi for his memorial posthumously, while memorials for Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi exist.

Labeling the current government a “zero-achievement government,” Bommai noted that funding for MGNREGA had significantly surged under the NDA regime. He highlighted that the UPA allocated Rs 33,000 crore in 2013, whereas the current Union government has raised the budget to over Rs 1.4 lakh crore.

Bommai claimed that although the Centre provides wages for 100 days, the state government requests additional financing without ensuring effective implementation.

He cited rampant corruption within MGNREGA, referencing instances from Belagavi and Kalaburagi during his term as district in-charge minister, where officials faced imprisonment and CBI investigations were initiated. He suggested that technological reforms introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have aided in curtailing such malpractices.

Bommai accused the Congress of deceiving the public with inaccurate data, asserting that the state government has failed to disburse funds for housing beneficiaries, the Jal Jeevan Mission, and rural infrastructure. He also criticized the selective interest waiver on minority loans, alleging that backward classes, Dalits, women’s self-help groups, and farmers have been overlooked.

He denounced ongoing injustices faced by North Karnataka, stalled irrigation projects, and insufficient funding for the Upper Krishna Project. Calling for a “people’s power versus ruling power” movement, he urged BJP members to display banners in every gram panchayat, emphasizing the advantages of the VB-G RAM G scheme and exposing corruption within MGNREGA.

Numerous BJP leaders, party officials, and workers attended the meeting.