Congress Slams BJP Over VB-G RAM G Bill, Governor’s Move on Hate Speech Law

The political row in Karnataka over the Centre’s proposed VB-G RAM G Bill and the state government’s hate speech legislation intensified following a joint session of the legislature, with Congress MLC Saleem Azeez Ahmed launching a sharp attack on the BJP. The controversy forms part of a broader confrontation between the Congress-led Karnataka government and the BJP over ideological issues, welfare policy, and the role of constitutional authorities.

The VB-G RAM G Bill has drawn criticism from the Congress after it replaced the earlier Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) framework, a flagship welfare law closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s name and legacy. Congress leaders argue that the move not only weakens a rights-based employment guarantee for rural communities but also symbolically sidelines Gandhi by removing his name. The issue was discussed in a joint session of the Karnataka Legislature as the state government sought to formally oppose the Centre’s decision.

Reacting to the development, Saleem Azeez Ahmed said the BJP had “suddenly changed the entire concept” of the programme and accused it of distancing itself from Gandhian values. “Changing the name of Mahatma Gandhi is most unfortunate. They do not believe in Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership. It was under his leadership that we got freedom,” he said. Taking his criticism further, Ahmed alleged that by redesigning the scheme and erasing Gandhi’s association, the BJP had effectively “killed Gandhiji through this programme,” turning a welfare issue into an ideological statement.

The Congress MLC also criticised the BJP for appealing to the Governor to withhold assent to the Karnataka government’s hate speech bill, which was passed by the legislature but returned by the Governor. Expressing his displeasure, Ahmed questioned the move, saying he could not understand why a democratically passed bill was sent back. He maintained that the legislation was intended to curb hate speech, prevent communal polarisation, and safeguard social harmony in the state.

Emphasising that the matter went beyond party politics, Ahmed said the Congress government would once again approach the Governor seeking clearance of all pending bills. He framed the issue as one of democratic mandate and federal principles, accusing the BJP of using constitutional offices to stall legislation passed by an elected government.

Together, the twin controversies over the VB-G RAM G Bill and the hate speech legislation have sharpened political tensions in Karnataka. While the Congress has projected the disputes as an ideological attack on Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and on democratic processes, the BJP has defended the changes and the Governor’s actions, setting the stage for continued political confrontation both inside the legislature and in the public arena.