Gadag, February 8: Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has accused the Congress-led state government of attempting to separate Mahatma Gandhi from Lord Ram. He called for a major awareness campaign to highlight the benefits of the ‘Ji Ram Ji’ scheme. Additionally, he alleged corruption within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
During an event on Saturday, Bommai stated that Mahatma Gandhi embodies the soul of the nation, and that Lord Ram was integral to Gandhi’s spirit. He claimed, “It is impossible to separate the two, yet the state government is trying to do so.”
Bommai emphasized that the nation learned two key principles from Mahatma Gandhi: “Satyameva Jayate” and “fasting in the pursuit of truth.” He accused Congress of misusing Gandhi’s name while ignoring his ideals, asserting that Indira Gandhi had no familial connection to Mahatma Gandhi. Historically, Congress has politicized Gandhi’s name without adhering to his values, he added.
The BJP MP also accused Congress of disrespecting B.R. Ambedkar, stating that he was defeated in elections, forced to resign from the cabinet, and denied land for a memorial in Delhi after his death. In contrast, memorials for Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi exist.
Describing the current state government as a “zero-achievement government,” Bommai noted a significant increase in MGNREGA allocations under the NDA. He pointed out that the UPA government allocated ₹33,000 crore in 2013, while the current central government has raised funding to over ₹1.4 lakh crore.
He alleged that while the central government provides wages for 100 days, the state government requests additional funds but fails to ensure effective implementation.
Bommai also accused the state of widespread corruption in MGNREGA, citing cases from Belagavi and Kalaburagi during his district in-charge minister’s tenure, where officials were jailed and CBI investigations were ordered. He claimed misuse through fake bills and agents.
He stated that the technical reforms initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have helped curb such practices.
Accusing Congress of misleading the public with false data, Bommai said the state government has failed to release funds for housing beneficiaries, the Jal Jeevan Mission, and rural infrastructure. He criticized selective interest waivers on minority loans, stating that backward classes, Dalits, women’s self-help groups, and farmers have been overlooked.
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DCH/