The congress positioned India on the world stage: ministers Ponnam, Vivek and Azhar

Senior Congress leaders strongly criticized the BJP-led Union government for what they called the systematic weakening of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), alleging an attempt to erase the legacy of national leaders from government policy.

Addressing a media conference along with Ministers Vivek Venkat Swamy and Azharuddin, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar extended greetings on the occasion of the founding anniversary of the Congress Party and recalled the central role of the party in India’s freedom struggle and nation building.

He said reforms introduced by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and successive UPA governments have given India a prominent position on the world stage.

Mr Prabhakar said the MGNREGS was introduced in 2004 under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi after consultation with experts to strengthen the rural economy and ensure food security by providing guaranteed employment.

However, he alleged that the Center had gone back on its 2014 promise to extend the scheme to urban areas and instead diluted it by imposing a 60:40 funding pattern on states, thereby shifting the financial burden.

Change for the worse: on MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G

He accused the Center of removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme and trying to erase the legacy of leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. He called for protests and urged people to hold demonstrations in every village with portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and pass resolutions in Gram Sabhas opposing this measure.

Minister Vivek Venkat Swamy said the Congress had consistently implemented people-oriented programs and accused the Center of depriving Telangana of funds and refusing to relax FRBM limits.

Minister Azharuddin alleged that the BJP was uncomfortable with Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy despite global recognition of his contributions.

Commenting on the Opposition’s BRS, Mr Vivek Venkatswamy said that despite its social media presence, the party had lost relevance among the people and demanded KT Rama Rao to respond to queries raised by MLC K. Kavitha.