Congress positioned India in global stage: Ministers Ponnam, Vivek and Azhar

Senior Congress leaders have strongly criticized the BJP-led Union government for what they termed as systematic weakening of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), alleging that it is attempting to erase the legacy of national leaders from public policy.

Speaking at a media conference along with Ministers Vivek Venkat Swamy and Azharuddin, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar conveyed congratulations on the occasion of Foundation Day of the Congress party and recalled the important role of the party in India’s freedom struggle and nation building.

He said the reforms introduced by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and successive UPA governments have positioned India prominently on the global stage.

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

However, he alleged that the Center reneged on its promise in 2014 to expand the scheme to urban areas and instead diluted it by imposing the 60:40 financing model on the States, thus shifting the financial burden.

Change for the worse: 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. Calling for protests, he urged people to hold demonstrations with portraits of Mahatma Gandhi in every village and pass resolutions in Gram Sabhas opposing the move.

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

Minister Azharuddin claimed that the BJP was uncomfortable with Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy despite his contributions being recognized globally.

Commenting on the opposition BRS, Mr. Vivek Venkatswamy said that the party has lost relevance among the people despite its presence on social media and demanded that KT Rama Rao respond to the questions asked by MLC K. Kavitha.