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Former Minister Ramanath Rai Slams Move to Remove Mahatma Gandhi’s Name from MGNREGA

By Editor

Posted on December 19, 2025

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Former Minister Ramanath Rai Slams Move to Remove Mahatma Gandhi's Name from MGNREGA

Mangaluru: Former District In-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai has strongly condemned the Central Government’s move to amend and remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Speaking at a press conference held at the District Congress Office, he termed this action a “grave offense” and stated that the Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee vehemently opposes this decision.

A Scheme for the Poor Rai highlighted that the scheme was a landmark initiative introduced during the UPA administration and has received global acclaim for its impact. He recalled that when the scheme was first proposed, opposition parties (now in power) had ridiculed it, calling it a “program of corruption.” However, the program has proven to be a lifeline for the poor, farmers, and the labor class. He alleged that removing Gandhi’s name is part of an ongoing effort by forces within the Sangh Parivar to disrespect and devalue the Mahatma.

Weakening the Project The former minister also pointed out that the funding structure has been altered to the detriment of the states. Previously, the Central Government bore the full cost of wages. Now, by shifting to a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and the State, there is a clear attempt to weaken the project’s implementation. He stated that this reflects the BJP’s true attitude toward Gandhiji and his legacy.

Historical Revisionism Rai accused the BJP of attempting to rewrite history by erasing the names of those who sacrificed their lives for the country. “While Prime Minister Modi pays tribute at Mahatma Gandhi statues during his foreign visits, his government is working to erase Gandhi’s name within the country,” he remarked.

Presence at the Press Meet Several Congress leaders were present at the briefing, including former Mayor Shashidhar Hegde, Ashraf K.E., Block Presidents B.L. Padmanabha Kotian and Prakash Salian, District Publicity Committee President Dennis D’Silva, State Secretary of Women’s Congress Manjula Nayak, and others including Appi, Shubhoday Alva, Jayasheela Adyanthaya, T.K. Sudhir, Dinesh Mulur, Samarth Bhat, and Shabbir Siddakatte.