“Insult to Mahatma Gandhi: Ivan D’Souza Slams Centre for Dropping Bapu’s Name from MGNREGA; Threatens Black Flag Protest”

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Mabgaluru : MLC Ivan D’Souza has launched a scathing attack on the Union BJP government for removing the name of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, from the MGNREGA scheme. Terming the move a “grave insult” to the entire country, D’Souza announced that Congress will stage intense protests, including waving black flags at any Union Minister visiting the state. He demanded that the government immediately restore Gandhi’s name to the scheme, stating that his exclusion is a direct violation of the country’s federal spirit and an affront to 135 crore citizens.

Addressing a press conference, D’Souza alleged that this decision is a clear example of the BJP’s “politics of hatred.” He questioned the rationale behind changing the name just because the employment days were increased by 25 days. He argued that the Centre had already begun dismantling the scheme by slashing its budget by 50% in the past. According to him, the new rule requiring states to bear 40% of the project cost is a deliberate attempt to burden state governments and marginalize the poor who depend on this livelihood scheme.

Critiquing the Centre’s economic policies, D’Souza stated that while the BJP government collects all resources from states through GST, it continues to neglect the welfare of the underprivileged. He described the current move as the “pinnacle of vengeful politics” and a 100% misuse of the Constitution. “The BJP is not a pro-poor government,” he asserted, adding that the Congress would continue its agitation until the Centre reverses its decision and acknowledges the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi in rural development.