Why Does the Opposition Object to the Name 'Ram' in the VB-G RAM G Bill?
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Synopsis
In a heated debate surrounding the Viksit Bharat Bill, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain criticizes the Opposition's protest over the name 'Ram'. Amidst allegations of undermining socio-economic reforms, the controversy raises questions about political motives and respect for cultural sentiments. Explore the implications and responses from key political figures.
Key Takeaways
- VB-G RAM G Bill replaces MGNREGA with enhanced job guarantees.
- Protests highlight political tensions and cultural sentiments.
- BJP claims the Bill corrects past deficiencies in employment schemes.
- Opposition argues the Bill undermines the Right to Work.
- Cultural significance of 'Ram' influences political discourse.
New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) BJP National Spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain on Friday expressed his disapproval of the Opposition's protests against the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (VB–G RAM G Bill), asserting that the Opposition seems to have an issue with the term 'Ram'.
In a statement to IANS, Hussain remarked that now that the Bill has been enacted, the Opposition should embrace it.
"We have enhanced the job guarantee, which should bring joy to all. Nonetheless, the Opposition appears to have a problem solely with the term 'Ram' in the title of the Bill," he added.
Taking a jab at the Congress party, Hussain advised them to avoid protesting in the name of 'Ram'.
"The Congress has previously referred to Lord Ram as a figment of imagination through their court submissions. This is why they struggle with the term 'Ram' today," he claimed.
He further mentioned the numerous improvements in the Bill.
"The job guarantee has been raised, various amendments have been introduced, and past deficiencies have been rectified. Yet, the Congress is objecting merely to the name, instead of concentrating on the Bill's welfare implications," Hussain stated.
Earlier on Friday, Congress staged a protest against the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the VB-G RAM G Bill on the Parliament grounds.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also present at the demonstration.
The Congress party previously requested the Bill to be forwarded to a select committee or a joint parliamentary committee.
The protesting leaders branded the Bill as not just an insult to the Father of the Nation by the Narendra Modi-led Union government, but also as an attempt to undermine the Right to Work, which has facilitated socio-economic advancements in countless villages.
Earlier, Trinamool Congress MPs conducted a 12-hour-long dharna on the Parliament grounds, expressing their discontent with how the Bill was passed by both Houses.
The sit-in commenced around 1 a.m. outside the main entrance of the old Parliament building.
The Trinamool Congress leaders accused the Bill of being hastily approved without sufficient dialogue, breaching Parliamentary protocols and eroding democratic practices.
On December 18, the Lok Sabha ratified the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM-G Bill) via voice vote.
The Bill, which substitutes MGNREGA with an upgraded guarantee of 125 days of wage employment annually for rural households, was approved despite the Opposition's calls for more in-depth examination.
The House was then adjourned until December 19.
Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, defending the Bill amidst chaos, contrasted the government's strategy with the Opposition's history.
"The Congress party has endeavored to extinguish Bapu's ideals, while Narendra Modi ji has worked to preserve them," he stated.
Referring to Mahatma Gandhi's vision, Minister Chouhan emphasized how the flagship initiatives of the Modi government reflect Gandhian principles in action.
"Bapu lives on today in the homes constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, in the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, in the Ujjwala Yojana which has cleared smoke from 10 crore kitchens, in Ayushman Bharat providing treatment for 36 crore individuals, and in the 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs offering affordable medicines," he proclaimed in the House.
He also highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's legacy in Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Skill India, Atal Mission, and PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
"Bapu exists not only in images and posters but in our hearts. His principles are alive in this scheme," Union Minister Chouhan emphasized, referencing the Bill's 60:40 Centre-state funding ratio aimed at creating a 'new India'.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of legislative changes in employment schemes. The debate surrounding the VB-G RAM G Bill highlights the intersection of politics and cultural sentiments. While the BJP champions the Bill as a step forward, the Opposition's resistance underscores a growing concern over transparency and accountability in governance. This discourse is vital for informed public engagement and democratic processes.
NationPress
21/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill?
The Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill replaces the MGNREGA with an enhanced job guarantee of 125 days for rural households, aimed at improving employment opportunities.
Why is the Opposition protesting against the Bill?
The Opposition protests the Bill, claiming it undermines the Right to Work and is an affront to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. They are also concerned about the lack of adequate discussion before its passage.
Who criticized the Opposition's stance on the Bill?
BJP National Spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain criticized the Opposition for having issues with the name 'Ram' in the Bill, suggesting their protests are politically motivated.
What improvements does the Bill include?
The Bill includes an increased guarantee of jobs, various amendments, and corrections of previous shortcomings to enhance the employment framework for rural households.
What is the significance of the name 'Ram' in the Bill?
The name 'Ram' holds cultural and religious significance in India, and its inclusion in the Bill has sparked controversy, with the Opposition accusing the BJP of politicizing religious sentiments.
