The central government has introduced the 'Ji Ram Ji' scheme as a replacement for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). With the bill passing both houses of Parliament and receiving presidential approval, it has now become law, set to be implemented from April 2026. However, the political storm around its name change shows no sign of abating.
While Congress and other parties criticize the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a stand against Congress. The political clash over Mahatma Gandhi's name has now spread to Karnataka. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has accused Congress of assassinating Mahatma Gandhi not once, but several times. He argues that Congress exploits Gandhi's name for political gain.
In a recent interaction with journalists in Bidar, former CM Bommai stated that Congress repeatedly invokes Gandhi's name out of fear of losing political advantages. He alleged Gandhi advised dissolving the Congress Party, but it was not done, leading to his assassination. Bommai further claimed that Congress imposed a state of emergency, silencing Gandhi's principles, effectively assassinating him again.
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Bommai condemned Congress for trying to separate Mahatma Gandhi and Ram, calling it a sinful act. He stressed that Gandhi and Ram are interconnected, as Mahatma Gandhi's soul resonated with Ram's ideals, envisioning the concept of 'Ram Rajya'. Linking Gandhi's vision to the employment guarantee scheme is seen as a misuse of Gandhi's legacy solely for political benefits, according to Bommai.
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Bommai also targeted Rahul Gandhi for his remarks made in Berlin, accusing him of criticizing India's constitutional institutions and democracy to cover up his own corruption. He alleged that Rahul Gandhi relies on foreign entities like George Soros for assistance, claiming that his words hold no value within India, prompting him to voice his opinions abroad.
